Hurricane Safety Checklist

Getting Prepared for Hurricane Irene

Before the storm:

Have several flashlights and extra batteries available. Candles can pose a fire danger – flashlights are much safer! Also have a battery powered radio available to stay updated on news.
Pack a hurricane emergency kit including at least a 3-day water supply for each person (1 gal per person per day), non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. Include baby or pet supplies if applicable.
Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind including lawn furniture, bicycles, etc.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings (be sure to check your manual) and keep them closed as much as possible so food can last longer.
Fill up your gas tank and take out some cash. Electrically powered gas pumps and ATMs are unlikely to work in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Be sure to locate copies of important documents, medication lists, proof of address, deeds, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies.
Turn off and unplug sensitive electronics to prevent possible damage: television and stereo equipment, game consoles, and computer equipment.
Stay tuned on the radio and TV to find out if there are any evacuation orders for your area. Plan routes to shelters, and turn off utilities if instructed by authorities. Turn off or remove propane tanks.
Register special medical needs family members with local authorities in case of evacuation or extended electrical outage.

During the storm:

Continue listening to the radio or TV for information.
Fill the bathtub or other large containers with water for sanitary purposes such as bathing or flushing toilets. Localized water pumps may lose power.
Stay indoors and away from windows and doors. Close interior doors, brace external doors in case of extreme winds.
Keep curtains and blinds closed.
Do not go outside if the storm seems to have passed – it could be the eye of the storm!
Take refuge in a small interior room or closet on the lowest level of your home.

After the storm:

Stay away from downed wires, damaged or exposed electrical equipment, or trees or tree limbs in contact with wires or electrical equipment. Live wires do not necessarily look like they may be energized, so please stay away from such wires and report to your utility.
Be careful when cleaning up your property to keep pool nets, tree trimmers, ladders and other equipment far from power lines.
Generators should never be wired into your home’s circuitry. Any equipment needed to run on a generator (refrigerator, pumps, fans) should be plugged into the generator directly. Also, be sure to operate the generator in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, and in a well ventilated area!
Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. Move meats, dairy, etc into the freezer to stay colder longer. A partially full freezer can keep food frozen up to 24 hours, and about 48 hours if completely full.