Cape May County - THE HURRICANE SEASON

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

As part of preparing for a hurricane, you should have an emergency supply kit ready before an emergency strikes. The kit should include the following:
Battery operated radio
Flashlights
Extra batteries
Manual can opener
Matches or lighter
A two week non-perishable food supply
Extra medications
Amy medical supplies that you use on a regular basis
First aid kit
Toiletries
Plastic garbage bags
Paper plates and napkins
Disposable eating utensils
Emergency cooking facilities (ex: camping stove)
A lantern
Fuel stored in an approved metal container
Fire extinguisher
Bleach without lemon or any other additives
Water purification tablets
Insect repellent
Other items that you may want to consider are hammer and nails, rope, an inflatable raft, life preservers, a tarp, sleeping bags and blankets, duct tape and mosquito netting.
TWO WEEK EMERGENCY SUPPLY OF FOOD AND DRINK

Special dietary needs
Small containers of canned meats and fish
Canned or bottles juices
Crackers, dry cereal, granola bars, bread
Nuts, peanut butter
Water bottles (at LEAST 2 quarts per DAY per PERSON for at least 7 days and preferably a 2-week supply. Fill bathtub and other containers for sanitary usage.)
HURRICANE WATCH

A Hurricane Threatens
A Hurricane MAY strike within 24 – 48 hours
You should take appropriate precautions immediately

Listen to local news reports
Check medications
Replenish batteries
Fuel your vehicle
Check your hurricane kit and emergency suitcase
Cash a check, withdraw cash or have a travelers check on hand
Pack dentures, glasses, and hearing aid
Pick up loose objects from outside your home and bring them inside
Move furniture away from windows and cover with plastic
Close curtains, blinds or shutters
Prepare emergency water supply
Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting
Place valuables in waterproof containers and store in high places
Make arrangements for your pets
Move car(s) and/or boat(s) to a safe area
HURRICANE WARNING

Plan to Evacuate
When a Hurricane warning is issued, a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours and you MUST plan to leave.

Before Evacuating:

PACK AN EMERGENCY SUITCASE TO TAKE WITH YOU

The suitcase should be light enough to carry to a shelter and it should include the following items:
Flashlight and fresh batteries (one per person)
Battery operated radio with extra batteries
Insect repellent
Personal hygiene items
Washcloth, hand towel, tissues, premoistened towelettes and/or toilet paper
Change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes
Dentures, glasses, hearing aids
List of important papers (insurance policies, advance directives, bank accounts, mortgages, list of phone numbers of family, friends, physician, pharmacy, and copies of prescriptions.)
Matches and candles in plastic bag
Manual can opener
Plastic garbage bags
Map of area
Blankets or sleeping bags
Cards, games or books
Non-perishable snacks
AFTER A HURRICANE
After the order is given for reoccupation, you will need to provide proof of residency to return to your home. Listen to the radio for road closures.
Make sure you have an additional supply of medications
Unplug TV and take TV antenna or satellite dish down and store inside
Board windows and doors
Turn off gas appliances at shut off valve inside the house as well as water and electricity
Eat before leaving: shelters may not serve meals for 24 hours
Take proof of residency, driver’s license, insurance policies, utility bills and other important papers with you
Turn off electricity at the fuse box/circuit breaker panel
Turn off the gas to your home
If possible, turn off the water main
Take your emergency suitcases with you to the shelter
Leave as soon as possible

The Hurricane Season is June 1st through November 30th each year.

The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration is our national source for all weather events. Information from the National Weather Service is available through the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration at www.noaa.gov .

PREPARE A HURRICANE KIT