It’s the season…Your Insurance and Safety Committee shares this hurricane preparedness list from WRAL…
What to do as a storm approaches
- Stay inside
- Protect windows and doors with permanent storm shutters or plywood
- Keep local radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for new information
- Download the Red Cross emergency app (for iPhone, Android)
- Keep a hurricane lamp
- Make sure all pets have identification tags
- Store all lawn furniture, trash cans, toys and gardening tools inside to prevent them from getting blown away
- Find local emergency shelters
- Fill plastic bottles with drinking water
- Fill bathtubs with water
- Fill your car’s gas tank
- Unplug all small devices and turn off propane tanks
- Buy a fire extinguisher
- Have a to-go pack ready and learn evacuation routes in your area
What to have on hand as a storm approaches
- First aid kit and instructions
- Fire extinguisher
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bags, blankets
- Cooking and eating utensils
- Week-long supply of prescription medicines
- Paper plates, cups and towels
- Non-perishable/canned foods
- Jumper cables
- Maps
- Roadside emergency kit
- GPS
- Cell phones and chargers
- Cash
- Toilet paper
- Disinfectant
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Plastic garbage bags
- Household bleach
- Feminine supplies
- Soap
- Wet wipes
- Rain gear
- Sturdy shoes
What to do after a storm arrives
- Let friends and loved ones know you’re safe. You can mark yourself safe on Facebook or use the Safe and Well website.
- Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
In addition
- If you evacuated, return only once authorities let you know it’s safe to do so.
- Be alert for tornadoes. They are often spawned by hurricanes.
- Avoid contact with floodwaters. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
- Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through floodwaters.
- Look out for downed or unstable trees, poles and power lines.
- Do not drink tap water unless authorities say it is safe.
Alvin Kilby
Countryhouse Insurance and Safety Committee