Hurricane Preparedness

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:
  • Baby food/formula
  • Batteries
  • Battery operated TV, radio
  • Books, magazines, toys
  • Camera/film
  • Cash
  • Cell phone
  • Clock
  • Coffee, tea, powdered drinks
  • Diaper/wipes
  • Disinfectant
  • Disposable plates, glasses, utensils
  • Dried fruit, nuts, cereal, crackers, cookies
  • Drinking water (at least 7 gallons per person)
  • Duct/masking tape
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Fuel for generators and cars
  • Ice chest/ice
  • Insect repellent/sunscreen
  • Lumber
  • Manual can opener
  • Nails/rope
  • Non-perishable foods, canned meats, canned fruit
  • Outdoor extension cord
  • Packaged ketchup, mustard, condiments
  • Peanut butter/jelly
  • Pet food/medicine
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Plastic sheet/tarp
  • Prescription medicine
  • Pudding/snacks, dried foods, powdered milk
  • Rain gear
  • Soap/detergent
  • Sterno/propane gas charcoal/lighter fluid
  • Toilet paper
  • Tools/work gloves
  • Unscented bleach, tincture of iodine or water purification tablets
  • Waterproof matches/butane lighter
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, and 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.
  • Please 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 feet or less.
  • Place garbage in tied heavy plastic bags and limit weight to 50 pounds.
Water Sterilization
  • Boil for 3-5 minutes or;
  • Add 12 drops of 2% tincture of iodine per gallon or;
  • Add 8 drops of household bleach per gallon or;
  • Use water purification tablets.