Shelter in Place - Hurricane Survival 

Prepare Now - If you are STAYING HOME or SHELTERING IN PLACE

• Before hurricane season begins, June 1st, put together a survival kit and make decisions regarding where to go and plan what you would do if you had to suddenly evacuate.
• Learn the emergency evacuation routes for your area
• Make a list of valuable, irreplaceable items to gather if only given 15 minutes to pack and leave
• If oxygen dependent, prepare enough portable oxygen if electricity is lost.
  
  

Survival Kit

• Waterproof container with lid to store/carry items
• Canned, non-perishable foods (including pet food)
• Infant care items (diapers, formula) if needed
• Manual can opener
• Can of Sterno, matches/lighters
• Disposable plates, cups, utensils
• Drinking water in clean, unbreakable containers- 2 quarts per person/day
• Change water every 6 months – Old milk jugs are NOT recommended
• Flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries
• Masking or duct tape
• Compass
• First Aid kit (sterile bandages, scissors, tape, rubbing alcohol, pain reliever, antacid, antibiotic cream)
• Copies of important papers in sealed waterproof container (Birth certificates, emergency numbers, immunization records, 
  • insurance papers, Social Security numbers, cash/traveler’s checks) Originals should be in safe deposit box in another location

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• Have on Hand:
  • Prescription medications / treatments (2 week supply in original containers)
  • Portable outdoor stove or grill with extra fuel supply
  • Ice chests
  • Liquid household bleach - To purify water- place ¼ teaspoon/ gallon water, shake, let sit 30 minutes
• Sheets of plywood to board up windows during hurricane watch (24-36 hours before storm)
  
  

Before the Storm:

• Listen to weather updates on television or radio. Stay informed! (89.9 FM)
• Have car ready – Check gas, oil, water & maintenance
• Board up or put storm shutters on windows
• Plan for pets- Pets are not allowed in shelters
• Secure & store loose objects in your yard (trash cans, lawn furniture, etc)
• Turn refrigerators/freezers to coldest settings
• Fill tubs with water for washing & flushing toilets
  
  

During the Storm:

• Remain indoors, stay in an interior, windowless area away from windows
• Stay inside until local authorities announce your area is safe
  
  

After the Storm:

• Do not drink tap water until informed by authorities that it is safe
• Rarely open the refrigerator/freezer during the first 12-18 hours after power is lost. A full, unopened freezer will stay 
  • frozen for 2 days, a ½ full freezer for 1 day.
• Canned goods, dry food and food with intact seals are safe to eat.
• Fruit/vegetables are safe if not washed with contaminated water.