Weather Emergency Terms To Know

• Hurricane WATCH: A hurricane is possible in the watch area within 36 hours. Stay tuned for additional advisories.
• Hurricane WARNING: A hurricane is expected in the warning area within 24 hours. If advised to evacuate do so immediately.

Be Prepared Before A Hurricane Occurs:

• Determine if your home is in a hurricane evacuation area. Consult your local emergency management office.
• Be prepared to evacuate. Learn your community's hurricane evacuation routes and where you would go if advised to evacuate.
• Keep food on hand that can be prepared without cooking and does not require refrigeration. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Make sure you have flashlights with extra batteries.
• Make sure you have enough extra medicine, baby items and a first aid kit.
• Make plans to protect your home. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. Pre-cut 5/8 marine plywood cut to fit and ready to install over windows and doors are another option. Tape does not protect windows from breaking.
• Know how to shut off utilities in your home.
• Check your battery powered television or radio.
• Secure your home. Close storm shutters. Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside.
• Keep an emergency supply of water stored in unbreakable plastic containers. Fill your bathtub with water as a backup supply.

During And After A Hurricane

• Listen to the television or radio for current weather reports and emergency information.
• If you are not required to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows. Go to the basement. If there is no basement, go to an interior part of the structure on the lowest level; closets, interior hallways and bathrooms. Do not be fooled if there is a lull, it could be the eye of the storm -- winds will pick up again.
• Drive only when necessary. The streets may be filled with debris making roads impassable.
• Stay away from downed power lines, trees and disaster areas.
• Water sources may have become contaminated. Check with local authorities before using any water.

Prepared by the Northeast States Emergency Consortium