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Find out if your
home is in the storm surge flooding zone. You can get this
information from your local county engineer or emergency management
office. This information will help you determine how to protect your
home and valuables, and it will give you an idea of whether you will
need to evacuate when a hurricane approaches.
Determine where you will go if you are advised to evacuate. Will you
go inland to a hotel, to the home of a friend or relative, or to a
public shelter? If you were advised to evacuate,
do you know which route you would take? Again, your local emergency
manager can help you answer these questions. Take action to protect
your home. Cutting back dead trees
and limbs and purchasing storm shutters or pre-cutting plywood
for all your windows are steps that can reduce damage to your home.
Purchasing flood insurance is another important step to take
well before a storm approaches. Homeowners insurance policies
do not
cover damage from flooding, so a separate flood insurance
policy is essential if you live in an area that could be flooded.
Whether you ride out the storm at home or evacuate, you need to
stock up on non-perishable foods, water, flashlights
and extra batteries, a first aid kit, battery-powered radio
and other essential items.
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Secure garbage
cans, lawn furniture or anything that could fly around and
cause damage. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Learn the
safest route from your home or place of business to a safe shelter
from the high winds or flooding. If there is a flood, you may only
have minutes to get to safety. Purchase flood insurance. Flood
damage to your home and its contents is not covered
by your homeowner's insurance policy.
A 30-day waiting period is
required for your flood insurance policy to become effective. Make
an itemized list of all your personal property for insurance
verification purposes.
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Keep your
battery-operated radio tuned
to a local station, and follow all instructions.
If you are told to evacuate, move out of the
house or building to safe, high ground. Be
aware that floods are deceptive. Avoid already
flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross any
stretch of flood waters on foot if the water
is above your knees. Do not drive where
water is over the road. Under those flood
waters, the road could already be washed
away and rapidly rising water could lift the
car and carry it away.
When it is safe to return to your home, before you
enter the house, be sure that the structure is not in
danger of collapsing. Watch out for rodents and snakes.
Watch for live electrical wires. Be sure the electrical
current is turned off, and do not attempt to turn on any
electrically operated light or appliance until an
electrician has checked your system. Begin
cleanup as soon as possible. Throw out perishable
foods; they may be contaminated.
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