[To do List] [Supply List] [Shelters] [Evacuation] [During the Storm] [After the Storm] [Water Sterilization]

To Do List

• Know your evacuation zone
• Make appropriate arrangements
• Notify out-of-state contacts about your plans
• Make arrangements for ill family members
• Make arrangements for pets
• Safeguard home with window coverings and other protection
• Copy/move valuable papers in waterproof bags
• Turn off water, gas, and electricity at main switches
• Identify a safe room with no windows: hall, stairwell, bathroom, closet
• Secure boats

Supply List

Have the following supplies readily available:

• Drinking Water (at least 7 gallons per person)
• Manual Can Opener
• First Aid Kit
• Batteries 
• Battery Operated TV, Radio
• Clock
• Waterproof Matches/Butane Lighter
• Toilet Paper
• Diaper/Wipes
• Baby Food/Formula
• Books, Magazines, Toys
• Cash
• Plastic Sheet/Tarp
• Duct/Masking Tape
• Nails/Rope
• Outdoor Extension Cord
• Lumber
• Tools/Work Gloves
• Plastic Garbage Bags
• Insect Repellent/Sunscreen
• Rain Gear
• Fire Extinguisher
• Fuel for Generators and Cars
• Cell Phone
• Ice Chest/Ice
• Soap/Detergent
• Prescription Medicine
• Disinfectant
• Unscented Bleach, Tincture of Iodine or Water Purification Tablets
• Sterno/Propane Gas Charcoal/Lighter Fluid
• Disposable Plates, Glasses, Utensils
• Camera/Film
• Non-perishable Foods, Canned Meats, Canned Fruit
• Dried Fruit, Nuts, Cereal, Crackers, Cookies
• Coffee, Tea, Powdered Drinks
• Packaged Ketchup, Mustard, Condiments
• Peanut Butter/Jelly
• Pudding/Snacks, Dried Foods, Powdered Milk
• Pet Food/Medicine

Shelters

Emergency Shelters are assigned by York County at the appropriate time.  Stay tuned to local media outlets.

If going to a shelter, bring the following:

• Blankets
• Food and Water
• Prescription Medicines
• Small Toys, Games, Books for Children

Pets, alcohol, and firearms are not allowed in shelters

Evacuation

In case of Evacuation:

• Check with City Emergency Offices to identify evacuation routes.
• Plan on leaving as soon as possible
• If driving out, be advised that hurricanes can change direction.  Keep tuned to the radio.
• Identify a meeting place for all family members to check-in.
• Note that pets, alcohol, and firearms are not allowed in shelters.

During the Storm

Remain Calm:

• Continue to monitor weather coverage and updates.
• Go indoors and stay indoors until the storm has passed.  Make sure that the storm has actually passed and that you are not in the eye of the storm.
• Turn off circuit breakers before the power goes.  Leave one circuit breaker on with a lamp so you know when power has resumed.
• Do not use candles or kerosene lamps during the storm.
• Stay in your safe room even if you hear breaking glass. do not expose yourself to the hurricane winds.
• Place animals in carriers.
• If your house starts to break apart, cover yourself with a mattress.  If your safe room is a bathroom with a bathtub, get in the tub under a mattress.
• Use the phone for urgent calls only.  Don't use the phone if you hear thunder.
• If you're in a very tall building avoid the top floors as wend speeds are stronger the higher you go.  Go to a safe room.
• Use extreme caution.

After the Storm

• If your house is damaged, get out until it is inspected by officials.
• Find the fire extinguisher before turning on the power.
• Stay away from all downed lines and nearby water puddles.
• Report downed or sparking power lines and nearby puddles.
• Do not drive near power lines.
• Avoid driving because of debris and road blockage.
• Call your out-of-town emergency contact and communicate that you're alright.
• Do not drink the tap water until officials have announced that it is safe to do so.
• If filing a claim, notify your insurance agent as soon as possible of an address and phone number to reach you.
• Take photos of damaged areas and possessions.
• Cut fallen trees into pieces 4' or less.
• Place garbage in tied heavy plastic bags and limit weight to 50lbs.

Water Sterilization

1. Boil for 3-5 minutes or;
2. Add 12 drops of 2% tincture of iodine per gallon or;
3. Add 8 drops of household bleach per gallon or;
4. Use water purification tablets.