Hurricanes are severe tropical
storms that form in the southern
Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf
of Mexico, and in the eastern
Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now
predict hurricanes, but people who
live in coastal communities should
plan what they will do if they are
told to evacuate.
Prepare for Hurricanes
 Get
a
kit of emergency supplies
and
prepare a portable kit in case you
have to evacuate.
Familiarize
yourself with the terms that are
used to identify a hurricane.
A
hurricane watch means a hurricane is
possible in your area. Be prepared
to evacuate. Monitor local radio and
television news outlets or listen to
NOAA Weather Radio for the latest
developments.
A
hurricane warning is when a
hurricane is expected in your area.
If the county issues an
evacuation
order, leave immediately! The life
you save may not only be your own
but the lives of rescue workers
trying to assist you!
Prepare
to secure your property.
Cover
all of your home's windows with
pre-cut plywood or hurricane
shutters to protect your windows
from high winds.
Plan
to bring in all outdoor furniture,
decorations, garbage cans and
anything else that is not tied down.
These items could become missiles!
Keep
all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
If
you have a car, fill the gas tank in
case you have to evacuate. |
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Plan to Evacuate
Plan how you will
leave and where you will go if you
are advised to
evacuate.
If you
do not have a car, plan alternate
means of evacuating.
Plan
places where your family will meet,
both within and outside of your
immediate neighborhood.
Identify several places you could go
in an emergency, a friend's home in
another town, a motel or
public
shelter.
If you have a car,
keep a half tank of gas in it at all
times in case you need to evacuate.
Become familiar with alternate
routes and other means of
transportation out of your area.
Take your
emergency supply kit.
Lock the door behind you.
Take your pets with you, the
Emergency Pet Shelter is at the St
Mary’s County Fairgrounds. Service
animals are allowed at the
Leonardtown High School Emergency
Shelter. See
Pet Preparedness
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If time allows:
Call or email
the "out-of-state" contact in your family
communications plan.
Tell them where you are
going.
Leave a note telling others when you
left and where you are going.
Check with
neighbors who may need a ride.
If you are not
able to evacuate, stay indoors away from all
windows. Take shelter in an interior room with no
windows if possible. Be
aware that there may be a
sudden lull in the storm as the eye of the
hurricane moves over. Stay in your shelter until
local authorities say it is safe.
Stay
informed
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch
TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet
often for official news and instructions as they
become available. See page 6 for Emergency
Information.
Stay out of flood waters, if
possible. The water may be contaminated or
electrically charged. However, should you find
yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water
get out immediately and seek higher ground.
Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a
funnel cloud or if the National Weather Service
(NWS) issues a tornado warning take shelter
underground, if possible or in an interior room
away from windows. If waters are rising quickly
or NWS issues a flood or
flash flood warning,
seek higher ground.
Stay away from downed power
lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or
electrocution.
Do not return to your home until
county officials say it is safe. Even after the
hurricane and after flood waters recede, roads
may be weakened and could collapse. Buildings may
be unstable, and drinking water may be
contaminated. Use common sense and
exercise
caution.
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