Preparing to evacuate....
When a hurricane watch is issued, you should:
- Fill your automobile’s gas tank.
- If no vehicle is available, make arrangements for transportation.
- Fill your clean water containers.
- Review your emergency plans and supplies, checking to see if any items are missing.
- Tune in to the radio or television for weather updates.
- Listen for disaster sirens and warning signals.
- Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
- Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
- Cover windows and doors with plywood or boards or place large strips of masking tape or adhesive tape on the windows to reduce the risk of breakage and flying glass.
- Put livestock and family pets in a safe area. Emergency shelters cannot accept animals.
If you are ordered to evacuate
- Take only essential items with you.
- Leave pets indoors in a safe, covered area with ample food and water.
- If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity, and water.
- Disconnect appliances to reduce the likelihood of electrical shock when power is restored.
- Follow the designated evacuation routes.
If you are ordered not to evacuate
- Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions, if possible.
- Stay indoors until the authorities declare the storm is over.
- Do not go outside, even if the weather appears to have calmed.
- Stay away from all windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in a bathroom or basement.
- Prepare to evacuate to a shelter if instructed by emergency personnel.
Information for hurricane preparation courtesy Trinidad Guardian
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
WE ARE now in the 2010 hurricane season and it is important to take all necessary precautions in the event of a tropical storm or hurricane approaching Trinidad and Tobago. Here is a check list you can follow.
Now that the hurricane season has started, you need to:
- Check on alternative cooking facilities if you normally cook with electricity. A camp stove is a possibility.
- Buy disposable kitchen items so you don't need to use water to wash up.
- Check to ensure that your baths will hold water, and get new plugs if necessary.
- Trim your trees and shrubs, especially if they are near to buildings and power lines.
During the hurricane watch (36 hours to hurricane conditions) you must:
- Listen continuously to the weather forecasts, as hurricanes change direction and speed suddenly.
- Protect your computer data with backup files.
- Stock up on prescription medications, since pharmacies may be closed after the hurricane.
When there is a hurricane warning (24 hours to hurricane conditions) you must:
- Remove all pictures, clocks and other hanging articles and store them in a safe place.
- Have a supply of flashlights and batteries handy. Flashlights provide your safest emergency lighting source during the hurricane/storm. DO NOT USE CANDLES OR KEROSENE LAMPS during strong winds, and try not to use them at any time.
Before the power goes you can:
- Pack your coolers with ice. If possible, have two coolers, one with perishables and the other with ice only. This will limit opening your refrigerator.
- Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are at the coldest possible settings.
- Drape blankets over your refrigerator and freezer to keep them cold. Keep the blanket away from the heat exchanger coils on the back, if the unit is still running.
During the hurricane you must:
- Draw all blinds to stop flying glass.
- Do not go outside unless it is absolutely necessary as when the winds get strong you are in danger of being hit by flying objects.
- Don't allow children to go outside under any circumstances as they can be blown away even if an adult is holding them.
courtesy of Newsday News, entitled "Be prepared for a storm"
Thursday, June 17 2010
http://newsday.co.tt/features/0,122604.html
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