Hurricane Isaac reminds us about emergency preparedness and safety

With hurricane season in full swing, and Hurricane Isaac making landfall today, It's important to know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane to keep safe:

Before...
Have a hurricane disaster plan: Locate local shelters. Map the route to a nearby shelter; this will cut down on the travel time. 

If you are not ordered to evacuate, find shelter in your home. The safest place during a hurricane is an interior room without windows. Get your home and yard ready for a hurricane by installing hurricane shutters; remove dead and diseased trees and branches; identify items in the yard that should be brought inside; clean rain gutters, outside stairwells, window wells, drain lines, and downspouts.

• Family members can become separated during a hurricane. Be prepared by creating a plan for how to reach one another. Establish an out-of-area contact (such as a relative or family friend) who can coordinate family members' locations and information should you become separated. Make sure children learn the phone numbers and addresses, and know the emergency plans.
• Prepare a family disaster supplies kit. Families with children should have each child create their own personal pack.

During...
Listen to the news and the weather updates and make sure you leave if an official evacuation is ordered. Cover your windows with hurricane shutters or plywood. Taping windows offer little or no protection against the winds. 

• Remain inside, away from windows and doors.
• During power outages try to avoid carrying a lit candle. Use flashlights instead. Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space. Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes. Read NFPA's candle safety fact sheet.
• Do not be fooled by the calm when the eye of the hurricane is above your area; the worst of the storm is probably yet to come.
• Be prepared for tornadoes caused by hurricanes; remain inside and at the center of your home or in a closet or basement.

If you are evacuated, take your family disaster supplies kit and leave immediately to a nearby shelter.

After...
Continue to listen to the news and weather updates. Often when the storm is over, damage still exists from floods, downed power lines, and electrically charged water.

Comments

[Breitling bentley]

love Continue to listen to the news and weather updates. Often when the storm is over, damage still exists from floods, downed power lines, and electrically charged water.

[red bottom shoes]

Very agree with you there!

[Hurricane Shutters]

Well about this is very great article for emergency

[Mark SCHAFER]

THE REAL STORY- Electical Safety after Isaac Flooding and Water Damage

http://www.er-emergency.com/handling-water-damaged-electrical-systems-from-hurricane-isaac