Inclement Weather Preparedness Hurricanes

In conjunction with various other public information sites, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company offers the following tips and suggestions in order to prepare for and mitigate pending periods of inclement weather.

Please monitor the local news channels as well as the National Weather Service for your local area. The avenues provide tips on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Local information includes the following:

(1)  WBOC TV Channel 16 - http://www.wboc.com

(2) WRDE TV - http://www.wrde.com/

(3)  Delaware 105.9 FM Radio - http://www.delaware1059.com

(4)  WGMD FM Radio 92.7 - http://www.wgmd.com

(5) WNDT TV Channel 47 - http://www.wmdt.com

Basic Preparedness Tips

• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate

• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.

• Make a family emergency communication plan.

• Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”

Hurricane Watch

• Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.

What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.

• Close storm shutters, and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.

• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.

• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

What to do when a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV/radio, or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

What to do when a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

• Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.

• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.

• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.

What to do when a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.

• Review your evacuation plan with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.

• Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.

After a Hurricane

• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.

• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.

• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.

• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.

• Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away.

• Photograph the damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

• Do what you can to prevent further damage to your property, (e.g., putting a tarp on a damaged roof), as insurance may not cover additional damage that occurs after the storm.