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Weather
The bare essentials
Use these checklists to plan and prepare for the season
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Posted - Friday, June 06, 2008 02:53 PM EDT
When a hurricane threatens the Keys, you'll have to make the decision whether to evacuate or ride out the storm in safety at home. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave. Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.
Use the following lists to keep you on track before and during a storm threat.
Supplies to get before a hurricane threatens:
- ____ Waterproof containers for important documents
- ____ Batteries for radios and flashlights
- ____ Flashlights and lanterns
- ____ Propane and lantern fuel
- ____ Containers for water and gasoline
- ____ Ropes and straps
- ____ Tarps and plastic sheeting
- ____ A small camp stove for cooking
- ____ Nails, bolts and hand tools for storm preparations
- ____ Plywood for covering windows
- ____ First-aid kit
- ____ Portable ice chest
General preparation:
- ____ Determine where to move your boat in an emergency
- ____ Trim back dead wood from trees
- ____ Check for loose rain gutters and down spouts
- ____ If shutters do not protect windows, stock boards to cover glass
When a hurricane watch is issued:
- ____ Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio.
- ____ Fill up your car with gas.
- ____ Get money from the bank.
- ____ Check mobile home tie-downs.
- ____ Moor small craft or move them to safe shelter.
- ____ Stock up on canned provisions.
- ____ Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.
- ____ Check the batteries in radios and flashlights.
- ____ Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
- ____ Tape, board or shutter windows to prevent shattering.
- ____ Wedge sliding-glass doors to prevent them from lifting from the tracks.
When a hurricane warning is issued:
- ____ Stay turned to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.
- ____ Leave mobile homes.
- ____ Leave areas that might be affected by storm tide or stream flooding.
- ____ Leave early, in daylight if possible.
- ____ Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
- ____ Take small valuables and papers, but travel light.
- ____ Leave food and water for pets (shelters will not take them).
- ____ Board up garage and porch doors.
- ____ Move valuables to upper floors.
- ____ Bring in the pets.
- ____ Fill containers (such as a bathtub) with several days' supply of drinking water.
- ____ Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting and don't open the door unless necessary.
- ____ Use the phone only for emergencies.
- ____ Stay indoors on the downwind side of house away from windows.
- ____ Be aware of the eye of the hurricane.