Hurricane/Storm Preparing

Preparing for a Hurricane/Storm

Seven hurricanes and four tropical storms are predicted during this year's hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. You should know how to prepare your family and home, procedures to be taken during the storm and the aftermath. You can ward off some of the dangers if you are prepared which allows to you to stay ahead of the storm.
If you do not have a family disaster plan, one should be prepared right away. Portable radio, torch lights, candles or lanterns should be working and extra batteries obtained. Ensure that other family members and friends are aware of the situation. Checks should be done around the house to ensure windows and glass doors are boarded up. Taping windows
Make extra sure that main electrical breakers are off. The most common repairs will involve nailing plywood or taping heavy plastic to broken windows, ceilings, and walls. Also there are several health and safety hazards that remain even after the hurricane's wind and rain have passed. Injuries can happen to anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major storm, so it is wise to be overly cautious. Debris-filled streets are dangerous; therefore, walk or drive with caution. Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage, make sure it is not in danger of collapse. Upon entering a building, do not use open flame as a light source use a battery-operated flashlight. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuit. Children should never be left alone or allowed to play in damaged buildings or in areas that might be unsafe. Protective clothing should also be worn on legs, arms, feet, and hands while cleaning up debris. Wear rubber gloves while scrubbing flood damaged interiors and furniture. Purify all water used for drinking, cooking, and washing, and for eating and cooking utensils. Also, purify the water used for washing hands, body, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Do not use water that has a dark color, an odor, or contains floating material. To disinfect water, one of four methods may be used: (1) boil at a rolling boil for 10 minutes; (2) add 8 drops of liquid chlorine bleach (such as Clorox) per gallon of water; (3) add 20 drops of two percent iodine per gallon of clear water, or 40 drops per gallon of cloudy water; (4) add water purification tablets according to directions on the package. These tablets can be bought at most drug and sporting goods stores. These solutions should be thoroughly mixed and the water allowed standing for at least 30 minutes before