PREPARING FOR THE HURRICANE SEASON
• Find out if your home is in an area at risk of flooding, landslide or mudslide. • Find out about the list of shelters planned for your area – as well as their exact location. • Check the condition of your roof, windows and doors. Strengthen and secure them. • Trim tree branches above your roof and electric cables around the exterior of your home, to avoid any damage they might cause during a storm. • Prepare an emergency and tool kit. • Identify a safe place that can serve as a shelter for your animals. • Listen regularly to radio and TV, follow information on the Internet. Stay well informed. • Develop a ‘family emergency plan’.
PHASE II - EARLY WARNING 36 TO 48 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL OF HURRICANE
• Be aware of official weather bulletins - and ignore rumours. • Gather together all your important papers and store them safely. Double-check your emergency kit. • Gather your animals close to your house so that they are not distanced from you when the ban on leaving home will be in force. • Secure your windows to be better protected. • Make sure a window or door in your home can open in the opposite direction to that exposed to the winds - in order to escape in case of danger. • If your area is at risk, fill fuel tanks in order to create reserves
ALERT PHASE I
15 TO 24 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL OF HURRICANE
• If your home is in an ‘at risk’ area or if you live near a ravine, a stream or a beach, arrange to go to provided shelters or housing that is less exposed to flooding. • Keep animals in previously identified shelters. • Secure all that can be carried–away by wind and all that is outside of the house, such as bins, tools, signage, decorative lamps, bulbs, etc.. • Take down all heavy objects placed on-high (objects such as antennas, signs, coconuts hanging over the roof of your house) to avoid these falling on your house or being carried away by the wind. • Remove and pack away all light objects inside the house - objects such as tables, picture frames, clocks, books, office supplies, and ornaments (all things hanging on the walls or placed on the shelves of your home) - to prevent them from falling. • Place adhesive strips on the windows and doors and put pieces of fabric on the inside of windows and doors to protect against possible broken glass. • Avoid straying far from where you live, especially if you are unsure of being able to return safely within 15 to 20 hours. • Do not go out at sea. If you are already there – go swiftly back on land. • Gather all small boats and dock them safely away from the shore. • If a woman in the family is about to give birth, take her to the nearest hospital so that she can have the necessary care.
ALERT PHASE II 5 TO 10 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL AND DURING THE HURRICANE
• Avoid leaving home if your house is solid and not located in a flood zone or away from tidal waves. The greatest danger is outside. • If you think your home is seriously threatened, quickly join the nearest shelter to you. • Stay inside a house or building until the end of the hurricane. • If the house shows signs of serious damage during the hurricane, take cover under a table or under a lintel, or in any other place in the house that would be safer. • Do not seek refuge behind doors and glass windows. They can break as a result of high winds - or be hit by flying objects. • Avoid balconies to avoid falling. • If your roof is tiled, watch for falling objects, to avoid injury. • Stay alert, calm and listen to the radio in order to remain aware of the evolution of the hurricane. • Disconnect power to reduce the risk of fire. • Avoid lighting any naked flame (matches, candles, kerosene lamps ...). These can cause fires. Use a lighter or flashlight in preference. • During the hurricane, the winds can suddenly stop; this means that your area is in “the eye of the storm.'' Such a situation lasts for a very short time. Stay sheltered because the winds turn in the opposite direction.
AFTER A HURRICANE
• Check the condition of house (verify that it does not present risks) - and consolidate same. • Clean house with chlorinated water. Throw away food and medication that has been in contact with water. Discard all contaminated or damaged and non-reusable material (this will reduce the risk of epidemics). • Do not drink untreated water. Do not eat rotten food. This represents a danger to your health. • Ventilate interiors thoroughly to lower humidity. • Keep your safety equipment and emergency kits close. The risk of injury remains. • Beware of touching damaged electrical cables. Avoid getting an electrical shock. • In order not to get hurt, always wear shoes when you move around. • Avoid bathing in the rain or in swimming pools to prevent receiving electric shocks from lightning. • Seek medical care for victims. You could save lives. • Report damage (photo – or video, if possible) to civil protection bodies (you will help the authorities to meet better the needs of your community). • Continue to listen to the radio to keep informed. • Avoid wasting energy. • Continue to conserve drinking water (which could become scarce). • Check your food storage regularly to prevent it spoiling. • Avoid going to affected areas, unless you are qualified to help. Source: www.pwoteksyonsivil.blogspot.com
