Tips on preparing for East Coast superstorm
Oct 28, 2012, 3:17 PM
(AP) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers tips on how to prepare for Hurricane Sandy and other tropical storms. Sandy is expected to be especially disastrous when it merges with a winter storm system, bringing powerful winds, rain, snow and storm surge along the Eastern Seaboard.
Before the hurricane:
_ Know your surroundings and whether your home is in a flood prone area. Determine where you would go _ and how you would get there _ if you were ordered to evacuate
_ Cover your home’s windows, either with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood at least 5/8 of an inch thick
_ Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed
_ Clear clogged rain gutters
_ Secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans and anything else that could blow away.
_ Install a generator for emergencies
During:
_ Listen to the radio or TV for information
_ Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
_ Turn off propane tanks
_ Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies
_ Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water
_ Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors
Do not:
_ Drive into low-lying areas or over roads and bridges that are already under water
If evacuating, bring:
_ Checkbooks
_ Driver’s license
_ Credit card information
_ Birth certificates
_ Social Security cards
___
Source: FEMA.
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