Continued Keys to Hurricane Survival

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Keys to Hurricane Survival
Continued

This material is provided as a public service. Its purpose is to increase hurricane awareness. The key to survival is advance preparation.

1) Before a Hurricane Threatens	2) Evacuation Routes
3) When a Watch is Issued	4) When a Warning is Issued
5) If You Stay At Home	6) If You Must Evacuate
7) After The Hurricane	8) The Recovery

IF YOU STAY AT HOME

	Stay Indoors….. In an inside room away from doors and windows. Don't go out in the brief calm during passage of the eye of the storm. The lull sometimes ends suddenly as winds return from the opposite direction. Winds can increase in seconds to 75 mph or more.
	Protect Property Without taking any unnecessary risks, protect your property from damage. Temporary repairs can reduce your losses.
	Stay Away From Windows and Glass Doors Move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.
	Keep A continuous Communications Watch Keep radio or television tuned for information from official sources. Unexpected changes can sometimes call for last minute relocations.
	Remain Calm Your ability to meet emergencies will help others.

Pamlico County Evacuation Routes IF YOU MUST EVACUATE

KNOW Where You Are Going… Leave Early, In Daylight If Possible. Move Your Most Valuable Possessions That You Can't Take With You To Higher Points Within Your Home

For Shelters…
Take blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights, special dietary foods, infant needs and lightweight folding chairs.
Register every person arriving with you at the shelter.
Do not take pets, alcoholic beverages or weapons of any kind to shelters.
Be prepared to offer assistance to shelter workers if necessary, and stress to all family members their obligations to keep the shelter clean and sanitary.

Pamlico County Emergency Shelter is located at the Pamlico County Community College on NC Highway 306 South in Grantsboro.

Don't Travel Farther Than Necessary
Roads may be jammed. Don't let your stranded auto become your coffin.

Lock Windows and Doors
Turn off gas, water, and electricity. Check to see that you have done everything to protect your property from damage and loss.

Carry Along Survival Supplies
First Aid Kit
Canned or dried provisions, can opener, spoons, etc.
Bottled water
Extra family medication, prescriptions
Spare eyeglasses, hearing aid and batteries, if required.
Keep Important Papers With Your At All Times
Driver's License and other identification
Insurance policies
Property inventory
Medic-alert or device with special medical information
Maps to your destination

Take Warm Protective Clothing

FACTS
--- What to expect following a direct hit of a hurricane:
Polluted water, limited communications, no electricity, sewers backed up and overflowing, structures undermined, severe erosion to shorelines.
--- Breakers coming ashore in a hurricane travel at about one-half the speed of winds in the storm. Relating this to pressure created by the breakers, that means an impact of 10,000 pounds of pressure per square foot.

AFTER THE HURRICANE

If Your Are Evacuated, Delay Return Until Recommended Or Authorized By Local Authorities

Beware of Outdoor Hazards
Watch out for loose or dangling power lines, and report them immediately, to proper authorities. Many lives are lost by electrocution.

Walk or Drive Cautiously
Debris-filled streets are dangerous. Snakes and poisonous insects may be a hazard. Washouts may weaken road and bridge structures, which could collapse under vehicle weight.

Guard Against Spoiled Food
Food may spoil if refrigerator power is off more than a few hours. Freezers will keep food several days if doors are not opened after power failure but do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.

Do Not Use Water Until Safe
Use your emergency supply or boil water before drinking until official word that the water is safe. Report broken sewer or water mains to proper authorities.

Take Extra Precautions To Prevent Fire
Lowered water pressure in county and town water mains and the interruption of other services may make fire fighting extremely difficult after a hurricane.

THE RECOVERY

Insurance
Insurance representatives will be on the scene immediately following a major disaster to speed up the handling of claims. Notify your insurance agent or broker of any losses -- and leave word where you can be contacted.

Take Step To Protect Property
Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting, Use only reputable contractors (sometimes in the chaotic days following a disaster, unscrupulous operators will prey on the unsuspecting) -- check the Chamber of Commerce. Keep receipts for materials used.

Be Patient
Insurance representatives will settle hardship cases first. Don't assume your settlement will be the same as your neighbor's. Policy forms differ and storm damage is often erratic.

It Takes A Team Effort
Responsibility for the clean-up falls to numerous local, state and federal agencies. A local disaster coordinator/director or his representative will be on hand to help residents in this effort

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