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| Photo courtesy iStockphoto |
The summer months can bring both beautiful and
dangerous weather. Hurricane Arthur’s recent trip up the East Coast, which caused
flooding and canceled Fourth of July plans, shows the importance of being
prepared for summer hurricanes.
In the U.S., people living and vacationing along the
Atlantic and Gulf Coast are most likely to experience hurricanes. Hurricanes
can cause high winds, flooding and even tornadoes.
Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to staying
safe this hurricane season:
• Learn if you live in an area at risk for
hurricanes. If you’re going on vacation, find out if the area you’re visiting
is at risk for hurricanes.
• Be informed about your community’s warning
system, evacuation routes and shelters. If you’re staying at a hotel in an area
at risk for hurricanes, talk to the staff about evacuation plans for guests. Always
comply with orders to evacuate.
• A hurricane warning means a hurricane is close.
If a warning is given, cover doors and windows to keep them from breaking. Fill
things like sinks and bathtubs with clean water in case water is not available.
Finally, set your refrigerator on its coldest setting and fill your vehicles
with gas.
• Know where to meet if someone gets separated or
lost during a hurricane.
• Make sure your emergency kit is up to date and
that supplies are ready to go in case you have to evacuate. Common supplies
include three days of food and water, a first-aid kit, flashlights and
lanterns, batteries and a battery-operated radio. For a detailed checklist,
visit the Get Ready website.
• If you are told to evacuate and have time, turn off
gas, water and electricity. Lastly, make sure to help neighbors.
To learn more about hurricane preparedness, read our
Get Ready fact sheet.
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