Last Minute Shopping
Inside Your House
Outside Your Home
Car Preparations
When a hurricane watch is issued, it's time to get busy. But, above all, remain calm! A hurricane watch activates emergency officials from the federal, state, parish and city governments who begin putting their hurricane plans into action. It should get you going too!
Last Minute Shopping
* Fruits such as apples, lemons, bananas, oranges. All will keep several days at room temperature
* Individual servings of pudding, applesauce and diced fruit. These handy snacks are nonperishable until opened or chilled
* Juices & drinks that are also individually packed
* Raisins, dried fruits & nuts
* Cheese spreads and cheese slices that don't need refrigeration
* Gum, hard candy
* Baby formula that is ready-made, not the powder or concentrate
* Baby food in jars
* Cookies, crackers & chips
* Dry cereal
* Bread, muffins & bagels
* Condiments, including ketchup, mustard, onions, garlic, oil & vinegar
* Bottled water
Inside Your House
* Finish battening down your home. Put up shutters, or plywood or metal window covers
* Check food supplies. You should need only perishable goods at this point to compliment staples and canned goods. If you don't have these things, get them right away
* Check the first-aid kit. Replenish missing items
* Check your tools. Put them all in one place
* Scrub your plastic containers with household soap, swab with bleach, rinse thoroughly, let dry. Then fill containers with water
* Make ice by freezing plastic gallon-size freezer bags and 2 liter soda bottles filled with water
* Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Do not open the refrigerator unless you absolutely must. A portable ice chest can be used as a substitute to keep food and beverages cool
* Identify where to shut off electricity, water, & gas
* Collect valuables, documents, videotapes or photographs of valuables in a waterproof container
* Bring in pets. Make sure they have a two-week supply of food and are wearing identification
* Sterilize the bathtub, scrub with household soap, swab with bleach, rinse thoroughly and let dry. Seal the drain with a silicone caulking that can be easily removed later. Fill the tub with water
* Your "safe place" should be stocked with a first-aid kit, small supply of food and water, flashlight, games for the kids, blankets & a mattress
* Escape routes out of the house should be reviewed with all family members
* Fire extinguisher should be where everyone can find it
* Stay indoors unless you absolutely have to go out
Outside Your Home
* Close shutters, lash down awnings or mount plywood over your windows and sliding glass doors, including the garage doors
* Identify where to shut off electricity, water & gas. Shut them off if you have to evacuate
* Bring in anything that could blow around: toys, bicycles, garbage cans, patio furniture, gas grill, etc.
* Take down your TV antenna. Unplug your TV set first, and be careful not to touch power lines with the antenna
* Remove turbine vents on the roof and replace with metal caps
* Secure or remove loose tiles or shingles
* Don't drain the swimming pool. The lack of water may increase the chances of the pool popping out of the ground. Add extra chlorine to the pool to reduce contamination
* Clean out gutters and downspouts
* Trash cans should be lashed together or taken inside
* Take down trellises
* Do not trim trees. There will be no trash pickup at this point
Car Preparations
If you are not going to leave early before the storm, here's how to get your car ready to weather the storm.
* Fill the tank with gasoline
* Check oil & water levels
* Store your car in a garage or carport
* Move your car to higher ground if you live in a flood prone area
* Park your car next to a building, away from trees or poles if you must park it outdoors
* First-aid kit & tool kits should also be in the car
* Stay out of your car during a hurricane
