CAN AFFECT AREAS MORE THAN 100 MILES INLAND

Threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. The Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 to November 30.

PREPARE NOW

• Know your area’s risk from hurricanes.

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

• If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for signs such as heavy rain.

• Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.

• Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.

• Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.

• Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.

• Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.

• Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.

SURVIVE DURING

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
• If sheltering during high winds, go to a storm shelter, or a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
• Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.

BE SAFE AFTER

• Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
• Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster.
• Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.

FOR ALL EMERGENCIES: CORAC runs a HAM radio net and Signal groups. If communication goes out for any length of time, meet outside your local Church at 9 a.m. on Saturday mornings if it is safe to do so. Tell friends at Church now in case you can’t then. CORAC teams will be out looking for people to gather in and work with.