Halsbury Chambers’ Hurricane Preparedness Guide

HURRICANE SEASON:  JUNE 1—NOVEMBER 30, 2013

Know What Hurricane WATCH and WARNING Mean

WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places, a friend’s home, a motel, or a shelter (locations listed on the back panel of brochure).

• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

• Listen to local radio or television stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

• Take these items with you when evacuating:

Prescription medications and medical supplies;

Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows

Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight

Car keys and maps

• Documents, including driver’s license, National Insurance card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, etc. Place important documents into plastic bag with seal (Zip-lock) to keep dry.

• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.

• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.

• Fill your car’s gas tank.

• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.

Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

• Complete preparation activities.

• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.

• Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.

• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.

• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go

If you come upon a flooded road, turnaround and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

• Keep listening to local radio or television for instructions.

• Only return to your home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.

• Inspect your home for damage.

• Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:

• First aid kit and essential medications

• Canned food and can opener.

• At least three gallons of water per person.

• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you’ll need a professional to turn them back on.)

Prepare for High Winds

• Install hurricane shutters or purchase pre-cut 1/2″ outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.

• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to local radio or television stations for up-to-date storm information.

HURRICANE SHELTER LOCATIONS

Calvary Deliverance Church

East Street South

East Street Cathedral Church of God East Street & Lily of the Valley Corner

Golden Gates Assembly

Carmichael Road

NATIONAL TELEVISION & RADIO STATIONS

The Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation

ZNS TV Channel I I

ZNS Radio I 540AM & I 240AM

POWER I 04.5FM

*Most local TV and radio stations will air

Hurricane coverage as info and alerts are issued.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Police & Fire Emergency 911

Police Headquarters 322-4444

Ambulance Service 322-2221/322-288I

Hospital 322-2861

BEC 323-5561/4

BATELCO 302-7000

Water & Sewerage 325-4504

Dept. of Meteorology 377-7040

Red Cross Headquarters 323-7370