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Critical Steps to Take When a Hurricane Warning is Issued

The National Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning when a Tropical Storm or Hurricane is expected to strike your area within the next 24 hours.

When a Hurricane Warning is posted there are several important steps to take immediately to ensure your safety and prevent damage to your property and/or your business.

Foremost, tune in to your local television or radio station and stay informed regarding changing weather conditions. Monitor NOAA weather radio for the most recent hurricane reports.

Secure your property. Install hurricane storm shutters or plywood panels on your windows. Cover door openings and brace or cover garage doors. Close all drapes, shades or curtains. Do the same for your place of business.

Recheck your Family Emergency Plan and gather Disaster Supply Kit items. Add any items that are missing or nonfunctional. Double check all your lists to be sure you are completely stocked and have everything you need.

Purchase or rent a satellite phone as it is highly probable that cell towers will be damaged and land lines will be inoperable. If you already own a satellite phone, charge the battery and make a test call to ensure everything works.

Inform your suppliers not to make any deliveries to your business during this period.

A Hurricane Warning is the time to secure or bring inside any outdoor objects that may become airborne in hurricane force winds. If you have not already done so, trim any overhanging branches or dead wood on your personal and business property. Check your neighbor's property as well.

If you have time, moor your boat.

Be prepared to make a decision to stay or evacuate when a warning is issued.

Fill plastic bottles with water and freeze them to help keep food cold longer. Lower the refrigerator thermostat to the coldest setting and keep the door closed. Clean the bathtub thoroughly with bleach and fill with water to be used for cleaning and flushing toilets during and after the hurricane.

If you use propane, shut off the valve at the tank. Locate and know how to turn off water, electricity and gas and if instructed to do so, quickly comply.

Store valuable belongings where they will be dry and safe. Keep important documents in waterproof containers.

Hurricane winds become stronger with height. If you live in a high rise building and decide to stay at home when a hurricane warning is issued, you should find a place to stay that is above flood level, but no higher than the tenth floor. Remain in a small interior room or inside hallway as far away as possible from doors and windows.

If you have a pool, super chlorinate it, disconnect the pump, and reduce the water by 8 inches to prevent hurricane flooding.

Make sure there is no debris in your storm drains.

Check on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure their safety.

If you stay in your home, put a big, bright sign on a window or door with your address and a message to help rescuers find you if they need to.

When instructed, move to your safe room, bring all your supplies, and secure the room with all doors braced. Do not leave until directed to do so, even if the winds are calm.

If you live in a mobile home and a hurricane warning is issued, evacuate immediately.

If you live in a flood zone and a hurricane warning is issued, evacuation is necessary.

If you live on the coast or on a barrier island and a hurricane warning is issued, it is time to evacuate.

When a hurricane warning is issued.

Seed Newsvine

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