Learn safe routes inland.
Be ready to drive 50 to 500 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

· Non-electric can opener

· Essential medicines

· Cash and credit cards

· Sturdy shoes

Make arrangements for pets.

· Pets are not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons.

· Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department, but don’t use 911 for information about approaching storms.

Protect your windows.  Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office.  There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH

· Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports. Remember the City's Emergency Radio Station WPKY 886 at 1610 AM

· Check emergency supplies.

· Fuel car.

· Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.

· Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.

· Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.

· Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.

· Review evacuation plan.

· Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

· Listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.

· If in a mobile home, check tie downs and evacuate immediately.

· Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.

· Avoid elevators.

If at home:

· Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.

· Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.

· If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.

If officials indicate evacuation is necessary:

· Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges.

· Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.

· Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going.

· If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or better yet, move it to a higher floor.

· Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.

· Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.

· Lock up home and leave.

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