HURRICANE WATCH: hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch usually within 36 hours.

When a Watch is Issued:

• Review your family disaster plan
• Assign family members tasks to accomplish your disaster plan
• Check often for official bulletins with local news media
• Fuel car, check all fluids, and tire pressure (including spare)
• Check mobile home tie-downs
• Check disaster supply kits (car, home, evacuation)
• Fill critical medicines
• Store water
• Fill every available space in your freezer with water. Using plastic Ziploc bags allows you to mold the containers in odd shaped spaces. This will preserve your frozen items longer in case of a power outage and will be an additional source of water
• Turn your freezer's temperature gauge to maximum
• Locate all important documents and store in waterproof containers
• Have a cash on hand reserve available
• Purchase extra film and store in the freezer for later use
• Move small boats to safe shelter
• Secure all items outdoors
• Install temporary shutters on all windows and glass doors
• Make evacuation reservations
• Secure provisions for your animals
• Alert your out-of-state communication center person/persons

HURRICANE WARNING: hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning usually within 24 hours.

When a Warning is Issued:

• Stay on task with your disaster plan
• Continue to monitor local news media
• Move valuables to upper floors
• Remove valuables from attic storage
• Fill containers (bathtubs, sinks, bottles, etc.) for additional water resources
• Garage or store vehicles you leave behind
• Take pictures off walls and store in available closets or drawers
• Count all lines (power, phone, cable, etc.) leading to your home and write it down in a visible place
• Fill inground swimming pools, add extra chlorine, turn off pumps and cover exposed motors
• Leave your mobile home

IF YOU EVACUATE... shut off water, gas and electricity at the main source. Leave during daylight hours if possible.

IF YOU STAY..... tune to local news media, keep calm, stay indoors (even if the "eye" passes directly in your path), shelter your family in the house opposite of the wind's direction.

WHEN THE HURRICANE STRIKES:

• Stay indoors
• Avoid using the phone
• Don't attempt to drive anywhere
• Don't weather the storm in your boat or recreational vehicle

AFTERMATH OF THE HURRICANE:

• Recount all lines leading to your home, immediately report loose or dangling power lines to the proper authorities.
• If your power is out, allow a reasonable amount of time to report the outage.
• Stay where you are if it is safe until authorities give the "all-clear".
• Stay tuned to local news media for constant updates regarding the situation at hand. They will provide you with up-to-the-minute information regarding medical help, feeding programs, and general assistance that may be needed for your family and community. Inspect your utility systems, report any potentially dangerous hazards.
• Keep your family together and talk about the experience as much as possible in a positive way.
• Be aware of the stress and fatigue catastrophic events produce. Eat foods that are high-energy, drink lots of fluids (especially those designed to replace sodium and potassium loss). Remember nursing moms, children and the elderly need more liquids than the average person.
• Check on your neighbors, as people often become isolated during disasters.
• Do not go sight-seeing, the roads are filled with debris and you can hamper the recovery operations.