Hurricane Information

[To Do List] [Supply List] [Shelters] [Evacuation] [During the Storm] [After the Storm] [Water Sterilization]

To Do List

  • Know your evacuation zone
  • Make appropriate arrangements
  • Notify out-of-state contacts about your plans
  • Make arrangements for ill family members
  • Make arrangements for pets
  • Safeguard home with window coverings and other protection
  • Copy/move valuable papers in waterproof bags
  • Turn off water, gas, and electricity at main switches
  • Identify a safe room with no windows: hall, stairwell, bathroom, closet
  • Secure boats

Supply List

Have the following supplies readily available:

  • Drinking Water (at least 7 gallons per person)
  • Manual Can Opener
  • First Aid Kit
  • Batteries
  • Battery Operated TV, Radio
  • Clock
  • Waterproof Matches/Butane Lighter
  • Toilet Paper
  • Diaper/Wipes
  • Baby Food/Formula
  • Books, Magazines, Toys
  • Cash
  • Plastic Sheet/Tarp
  • Duct/Masking Tape
  • Nails/Rope
  • Outdoor Extension Cord
  • Lumber
  • Tools/Work Gloves
  • Plastic Garbage Bags
  • Insect Repellent/Sunscreen
  • Rain Gear
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Fuel for Generators and Cars
  • Cell Phone
  • Ice Chest/Ice
  • Soap/Detergent
  • rescription Medicine
  • Disinfectant
  • Unscented Bleach, Tincture of Iodine or Water Purification Tablets
  • Sterno/Propane Gas Charcoal/Lighter Fluid
  • Disposable Plates, Glasses, Utensils
  • Camera/Film
  • Non-perishable Foods, Canned Meats, Canned Fruit
  • Dried Fruit, Nuts, Cereal, Crackers, Cookies
  • Coffee, Tea, Powdered Drinks
  • Packaged Ketchup, Mustard, Condiments
  • Peanut Butter/Jelly
  • Puddings/Snacks, Dried Foods, Powdered Milk
  • Pet Food/Medicine

Shelters

Emergency Shelters are assigned by York County at the appropriate time. Stay tuned to local media outlets.

If going to a shelter, bring the following:

  • Blankets
  • Food and Water
  • Prescription Medicines
  • Small Toys, Games, Books for Children

Pets, Alcohol, and Firearms are not allowed in shelters.

Evacuation

In case of Evacuation:

  • Check with City Emergency Offices to identify evacuation routes.
  • Plan on leaving as soon as possible.
  • If driving out, be advised that hurricanes can change direction. Keep tuned to the radio.
  • Identify a meeting place for all family members to check-in.
  • Note that pets, alcohol, and firearms are not allowed in shelters.

During the Storm

Remain Calm:

  • Continue to monitor weather coverage and updates.
  • Go indoors and stay indoors until the storm has passed. Make sure that the storm has actually passed and that you are not in the eye of the storm.
  • Turn off circuit breakers before the power goes. Leave one circuit breaker on with a lamp so you know when power has resumed.
  • Do not use candles or kerosene lamps during the storm.
  • Stay in your safe room even if you hear breaking glass. Do not expose yourself to the hurricane winds.
  • Place animals in carriers.
  • If your house starts to break apart, cover yourself with a mattress. If your safe room is a bathroom with a bathtub, get in the tub under a mattress.
  • Use the phone for urgent calls only. Don't use the phone if you hear thunder.
  • If you're in a very tall building avoid the top floors as wind speeds are stronger the higgher you go. Go to a safe room.
  • Use extreme caution.

After the Storm

If your house is damaged, get out until it is inspected by officials.

Find the fire extinguisher before turning on the power.

Stay away from all downed lines and nearby water pussles.

Report downed or sparking power lines and nearby water puddles.

Do not drive near power lines.

Avoid driving because of debris and road blockage.

Call your out-of-town emergency contacxtand communicate that you're alright.

Do not drink the tap water until officials have announced that it is safe to do so.

If filing a claim, notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number to reach you.

Take photos of damaged areas and posessions.

Cut fallen trees into pieces 4' or less.

Place garbage in tied heavy plastic bags and limit weight to 50lbs.

Water Sterilization

  1. Boil for 3-5 minutes or;
  2. Add 12 drops of 2% tincture of idoine per gallon or;
  3. Add 8 drops of household bleach per gallon or;
  4. Use Water purification tablets.

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