HURRICANE DESCRIPTION

• Counterclockwise rotating storm
• Consists of a low barometric pressure "EYE" with a surrounding storm reaching out hundreds of miles
• Minimum winds of 74 mph / heavy seas / tornadoes / rain / tidal surge
• Atlantic storms generally develop as Tropical Waves in the Eastern Atlantic region and track West to Northwest maturing into Tropical Storms and then finally a hurricane, although they can form anywhere off the coast

BEFORE THE HURRICANE - Be Prepared

• Plan an evacuation route. Evacuation is highly recommended if you live in a mobile home.
• Stay tuned to your local television & radio stations for emergency information.
• Learn safe routes inland & the location of official shelters. Be prepared to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
• Have disaster supplies on hand: flashlight and extra batteries; portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries; first aid kit and manual; emergency food and water for at least 3 days; non-electric can opener; essential medicines; cash and credit cards; sturdy shoes.
• Make arrangements for pets. Pets are not allowed in official shelters. A listing of pet-friendly hotels is available for viewing at the Emergency Preparedness Department.
• Fuel up and service family vehicles.
• Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
• Teach children how & when to call 9-1-1, police or fire department & which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Protect your home. Cover windows with permanent shutters, plywood panels or other shielding materials. Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs. Bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, etc.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Clear lose and clogged drain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine where to move your boat during a storm.
• Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members are separated from one another during a disaster.

DURING THE HURRICANE - Protect Yourself

• Stay tuned to your local television and radio stations for emergency information.
• Stay inside a well-constructed building. Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Go to an interior first floor room such as a basement, closet, or under the stairs.
• Be alert. Tornadoes are often spawned during hurricanes.
• If the "eye" of the storm passes over your area, be aware that the weather conditions will return with winds from the other direction in a very short time.

AFTER THE HURRICANE - Returning Home

• Wait until an area is declared safe before entering. Roads may be closed for your protection. Do not drive in flooded areas.
• Check gas, water, and electrical lines & appliances for damages.
• Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
• Use the telephone to report life-threatening emergencies only.
• If plugging a generator into your home´s electrical system, disconnect your main breaker to prevent electrocution of personnel working on power lines.