With the hurricane season heavy upon us, prevention is more important than ever. 

These are the do’s and dont’s of hurricane season 

Before the hurricane

• Teach family members how and when to turn off the gas, electricity, and water supply.
• Teach children how and when to call the police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

During a hurricane watch

(A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of a hurricane within 24 to 36 hours.)

• Listen to reports of the hurricane’s progress on a battery-operated radio or television.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Bring in all objects that are outside, such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools, and secure all objects that you can’t bring inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding windows. Remove the outside antennas.
• Put the refrigerator and freezer on the coldest temperature. Open them only when absolutely necessary and close them quickly.
• Store valuables and personal documents in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
•  Clear drainages and trash from the streets, to avoid flooding and blockages. 
• Get plenty of water and food supplies, as well as indispensable articles and canned food. 

During the Hurricane Warning

A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high rough water and surf) are expected in 24 hours or less.

• Constantly listen to the radio or television for official instructions.
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps as a light source.
• If power is interrupted, turn off major appliances to reduce voltage variations when power is restored.
• Keep pets safe and create an evacuation plan for them as well.

If authorities indicate that an evacuation is necessary:

• Get out as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads.
• Secure your home by unplugging electrical appliances and turning off the electricity and main water valve.
• Tell someone who is not in the storm area and where you plan to go.
• If weather permits and you live in an identified flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding, or better yet, move it to a higher floor or location.

After the hurricane

• Tune in to local radio stations to hear information.
• Help injured or trapped people.
• Administer first aid when appropriate if you have been trained to do so.
• Return home only after the authorities advise you that there is no danger.
• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department.
• Enter your home with caution. Watch out for snakes, insects, and animals washed up on higher ground by floodwaters.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
• Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims (if you have insurance).
• Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads.
• Use the phone for emergency calls only.