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Hurricane Safety Tips for children, elderly, pregnant women »

• Check on these emergency items: water, boots, raincoats, flashlights and batteries, battery-powered radio, hurricane lamp, matches, hurricane shutters, hooks and latches.
   
• Keep plastic bags, nails, hammer and other tools handy
   
• Have on hand simple first aid supplies
   
• Stock 4-5 days supply of food that does not need cooking or refrigeration
   
• Make sure you have material for battening up doors and windows
   
• See that galvanized sheeting on your roofs, out-buildings and fences are securely fastened.
   
• If your house is in a high risk area, subject to a storm surge (tidal wave) or flooding, be sure you know of a safe shelter; preferably with relatives or friends.
   
• Trim trees with branches near to buildings or electrical lines. Also pick fruits off trees as these can be carried by the wind and cause further damage.
   
• Be sure to understand the hurricane warning system. That is the three phases – Alert, Watch and Warning. These are indicators of how far away the hurricane is from your location.
   
• Keep in touch with your Parish Disaster Preparedness Committee and know how the committee works

BEFORE THE HURRICANE

MONITOR

• Have a radio and spare batteries
   
• Keep radio on and listen for the latest warnings and bulletins which will be given via radio and television.
   
• After the first bulletin has been issued listen carefully for the summary of the most up to date bulletin.

CHECK EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

• Emergency cooking facilities (e.g. oil and coal stoves) may be necessary
   
• You may need to keep a supply of kerosene oil and charcoal
   
• Store extra food – especially kinds which can be eaten without being cooked or with very little preparation (canned foods or perishable items).