Before a Hurricane Hits

If you live in a sound structure and you are outside of the evacuation area, here is a list of what to do.

• Make sure windows are protected
• Make sure you have at least three days worth of water, canned food, manual can opener, all necessary medications.
• Have clean containers for water - the more the merrier. Plan on three gallons per person per day as a minimum.
• Line the bath tub with plastic sheeting or a clean shower curtain.
• Place some duct tape on all your windows in at least an "X" just in case they break.
• Board up windows if you can.
• Pick up lawn chairs and anything else that might become a potential missile during hurricane force winds.

During the Storm

Howling winds, driving rain and the electricity going out makes riding out a hurricane pretty scary. Here is a list of what to do during the actual storm:

• Stay inside and stay away from all windows. This includes sky lights and glass doors.( Even a small cut on the hand can severely affect your cross court volleys).
• If your house is prone to flooding, make sure you turn off the power at the main breaker.
• Do not use electrical appliances including your computer (print this page).
• Do not go outside until the news or other legal authority says it is ok to do so. Even if it is calm - it could be the eye of the storm.
• Beware of lightning and tornadoes inside hurricanes - stay off house phones and do not shower during storm.

After the Storm

Typically injuries and death occur after the storm has passed by people being too eager to go outside. Here is our list:

• Remain inside until an official "all clear" is given.
• Do not touch downed or low hanging wires under any circumstances - it does not take a lot of electricity to kill.
• Use phones only for emergencies - call 911 for a real emergency.
• Call police or utility companies for downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, etc.
• After power is restored, throw away any spoiling food in the refrigerator. This is the number one cause of illness after the storm.
• Use plenty of mosquito repelent.

Batman: "When is a telephone not a telephone, Robin?" Robin: "I give up, Batman. When?" Batman: "When it's a cell phone!"

Did you know that cellular phones may not work during a storm? That's because cellular phones are really radios. Radio frequency bounces off of the atmosphere (regardless of repeating towers) and a bad storm could knock out reception. Still, it's always a good idea to keep all communication devices charged and ready to go. Analog signal is still around and useful in emergencies. Walkie talkies (same as cell phones but with lower wattage), two-way radios, CB's and cell phones should be fully charged at all times if possible. Keep a written list of emergency phone numbers close by in case your cell phone loses power. This way you can borrow someone else's "phone" if needed.

Children's Checklist

Plan on being without electricity and/or water for at least three days. With this in mind, we think the following items will do a world of good. Remember that you will especially need to have at least three gallons of water per child per day (this includes toilet usage).

• Pack a few of their favorite books. Yes, books. Unless you have a large supply of batteries for their electronics.
• Pens, pencils, crayons and plenty of "doodling" paper.
• A couple of their favorite toys like dolls or action figures (aren't those dolls as well?)
• A puzzle with lots of pieces (so it takes a long time)
• Favorite blanket or pillow
• A cell phone if they are old enough.

Pet Checklist

Pets will behave differently during a heavy storm. Some say it is because of their animal instincts (Ouch! They really are animals, you know!) and others because of the sounds or lack of. Make sure they all have a collar and identification tag. Here is the rest of our list:

• Pet food and treats
• Drinkable water in plastic bottles
• Canned food (don't forget the can opener)
• Pet medications if necessary
• Sturdy leash and/or harness and a pet carrier for transporting your pets. They will be scared and will want to run away.
• Pet bed if their is room.

Remember, it is almost impossible to make your pets go where you want them to. As a last resort, this sometimes works: