During The Storm

If you are not advised to evacuate,

                          stay indoors, on the first

                          floor away from windows, skylights and glass doors, even
                          if they are covered. Stay on the floor least likely to be
                          affected by strong winds and flood waters. A small interior
                          room without windows on the first floor is usually the
                          safest place. Have as many walls between you and the
                          outside winds as possible. Sometimes strong winds and
                          projectiles may tear hurricane shutters off, so stay away
                          from windows even if they are covered. Lie on the floor
                          under a table or other sturdy object. Being under a sturdy
                          object will offer greater protection from falling objects.

                          Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
                          Closed doors will help prevent damaging hurricane winds
                          from entering additional rooms.

                          Have a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy.
                          Avoid using open flames (candles and kerosene lamps) as
                          a source of light. Flashlights provide the safest emergency
                          lighting source. Between 1984 and 1998, candle-related
                          deaths from home fires following hurricanes were three
                          times greater than the number of deaths related to the
                          direct impact of the hurricane. Kerosene lamps require a
                          great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor
                          use.

                          Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, sinks, plastic
                          bottles, and cooking utensils. Public water supplies and
                          wells may become contaminated, or electric pumps may be
                          inoperative if power is lost. Survivors of community-wide
                          disasters have said the individual's greatest need
                          following the disaster is water.

                          If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce the
                          power "surge" when electricity is restored. When
                          electricity is restored, the surge from many major
                          appliances starting at the same time may cause damage or
                          destroy the appliances. Turning off or unplugging major
                          appliances will allow you to decide when it is best to turn
                          them back on.

Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is
                          not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the
                          eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite
                          direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects
                          damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by
                          the second winds. The opposing winds begin suddenly,
                          and have surprised and injured many people who ventured
                          out during the eye.

Watch out for flooding. Hurricanes and tropical storms
                          often drop large amounts of rainfall and cause severe
                          flooding, even when they are weakening or are no longer a
                          named storm. "Weak" tropical storms are just as capable
                          of producing heavy rainfall and flooding as major
                          hurricanes.

                          Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and
                          after a hurricane passes over. Remain indoors on a lower
                          level, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom
                          without windows. Going below ground, such as to a
                          basement or storm cellar, increases your risk from flood.