BE PREPARED

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

To begin preparing, build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Know your surroundings.
Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecast.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community hurricane-evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.
Cover your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection, but a second option is to board up windows with 5/8-inch marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind-resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Determine how and where to secure your boat.
Install a generator for emergencies.
If in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.
Consider building a safe room.

Check out these websites for more tips:

•Mariners Info(Coast Guard)

Shelley Rome