Hurricane Preparedness
As you may know, Hurricane Gustav will be entering the Gulf of Mexico in the next day or so, and will take aim at the Gulf Coast . It’s too early to predict a landfall, but it’s not too early to start thinking about hurricane preparedness procedures.
If you are evacuating your home:
- Turn the pilot light off on your water heater and furnace, then turn off the gas line valve near the appliance and, finally, turn off your gas at the meter. This will reduce the probability that a tree falling on the roof will break an active gas line and create the chance for a spark to cause a fire. Turning off valves working from the appliance to the meter will make it easier to reignite on your return by reversing the process.
- Turn of your master water supply.
- DO NOT Turn off your master breaker. You need power for the alarm and refrigerator.
- Unplug all fixtures or small appliances that can be accessed.
- Bring into the garage, or otherwise secure all movable exterior items such as small plants in pots, lawn furniture and pool equipment.
- Fill all vehicle fuel tanks.
- If you have time trim all branches or heavy bushes that could damage windows.
- Take with you:
- Food and snacks for Two days
- 2 gallons of water per individual
- Clothing for one week
- First aid kit
- Medications for 30 days
- Flashlights and spare batteries
- Cash
- Important documents (wills, insurance, licenses, medical and bank records as needed)
- Pet care items
- Tell a neighbor that is staying where you are going and how to contact you. Exchange numbers.
Additional steps for family safety:
- Discuss hazards that could affect your family (storm surge, rising water, down power lines).
- Determine a safe escape route and two meeting points if you have to evacuate your house unexpectedly. Have a contact person out of the area that each family member can contact if you are separated.
- Locate the safest room in your home. Pre-stock with pillows and blankets if room allows.
- Plan for taking care of your pets.
I hope that Gustav misses us, but we can’t be too careful!
