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Keys to Hurricane Survival - When a Warning is Issued

• Before a hurricane threatens 
• When a watch is issued 
• When a warning is issued 
• If you stay at home 
• If you must evacuate 
• After the hurricane 
• The recovery 

Listen Constantly to Radio or TV

• Keep a log of hurricane position, intensity, and expected landfall.  Discount rumors.  Use telephone sparingly.
• Updated hurricane activity can always be accessed online from the National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

If You Live in a Mobile Home

• Check tie-downs and leave immediately for a safer place.  Mobile homes are not safe in hurricane force winds.

Prepare for High Winds

• Brace your garage door.  Lower Antennas.  Be prepared to make repairs.

Anchor Outside Objects

• Garbage cans, awnings, loose garden tools, toys, and other loose objects can be deadly missiles.  Anchor securely or bring indoors.

Protect Windows and Other Glass

• Board up or shutter large windows securely.  Tape exposed glass to reduce shattering.  Draw drapes across windows and door to protect against flying glass if shattering does occur.

Move Boats on Trailers Close to House

• Fill boats with water to weight them down.  Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground or house.
• Check morning lines of boats in water, then leave them.

Store Valuables and Personal Papers

• Put irreplaceable documents in waterproof containers and store in highest possible spot.  If you evacuate be sure to take them with you.

Prepare for Storm Surge, Tornados, and Flooding

• Storm surge, tornadoes, and flash flooding are the worst killers associated with hurricanes.  In a tornado warning, seek inside shelter below ground level.  If outside, move away at right angles from the tornado; if escape is impossible, lie flat in a ditch or low spot.  The surge of ocean water plus flash flooding of streams and rivers due to torrential rains combine to make drowning the greatest cause of hurricane deaths.

Double Check Your Emergency Supplies Once Again

• Check your food rations, battery life, and the rest of your emergency supply kit so that it is ready to go if or when you are required or decide to evacuate the area.  For more information on creating a emergency supply kit, click here.