If a huge force of nature with the energy of several hundred hydrogen bombs comes barreling toward the Lowcountry, residents should be prepared for decisions and deadlines.
Here are some guidelines:
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO NOW
Put together your hurricane kit.
Decide where to go in the event of a hurricane evacuation and how to get there. Assign each family member a task, to cut down on chaos. Make arrangements for pets -- Red Cross shelters won't take them. Catalog your possessions. Photograph valuables. Make sure you have enough film or disk space for "before" and "after" photos. Have adequate insurance. Read your policy. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers nearby. Keep family records and documents accessible and protected. If you have a boat, consider safe anchorage options. Purchase a cooler that keeps things cold for up to five or six days. Social Security check recipients should use direct deposit, the U.S. Treasury Department recommends. That helps ensure seamless delivery of federal benefit payments.ITEMS FOR YOUR HURRICANE KIT
Three- to seven-day supply of food and water; one gallon of water per person and pet per day; nonperishable packaged or canned food Manual can opener and utensils First aid kit, medications Special items for infants and the elderly Toiletries and hygiene items Extra clothing, blankets, pillows, etc. Flashlight and batteries Battery-powered radio Cash Tools Keys Road maps, including evacuation routes. (Available on our hurricane site or in our print edition of May 27, 2011.) Baby supplies Blankets/sleeping bags Games and books Plastic trash bags with ties and large zip-close plastic bags Jumper cables Tire repair kit If you plan on staying in an emergency shelter, take linens with you. A copy of this newspaper section might prove helpful, too.IF A HURRICANE THREATENS
Make sure your car is filled with gas. Refill prescription drugs. Have cash or travelers checks available. Pack irreplaceable items, such as photo albums, to take with you.AROUND THE HOUSE
Board up windows. Put loose outdoor items in storage. Check for loose gutters and spouts. Move valuables to higher levels. Move furniture away from windows and cover with plastic. Remove valuables, such as furniture and rugs, from floor of house. Secure windows and doors from the inside. Trim dead branches. Anchor small sheds. Put chlorine in pool; protect filter motor. Dangerous chemicals, insecticides, herbicides or gasoline should be put in watertight containers and in a high spot. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles. You should have enough water on hand for seven days.TIPS FOR YOUR CELLPHONE
Program emergency contact numbers. Designate someone out of the area as a central contact. Make certain all family members know whom to contact if they become separated. Keep phone batteries charged at all times. Forward your home number to your wireless number in the event of an evacuation. Often in an emergency, text messages will go through quicker than voice calls.WHEN YOU EVACUATE
Turn off electricity at main breaker and shut off gas. Towels or rugs should be put around openings to reduce seepage. Lock all doors. If there's something that's really valuable to you, stick it in the dishwasher and close the door. Register yourself as "safe and well" at www.redcross.org/safeandwell. Concerned family and friends can search for their loved one's name, an "as of" date and the messages selected.
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