Make a thorough check up of your shelters, hooks, and latches. Ensure that all fasteners for outside doors and windows are in order. Wherever possible, windows should be reinforced with shutters and doors with bars.
Keep on hand a supply of lumber for barring up purposes.
Make sure that roof covering is properly fixed to the rafters. Roof sheetings must be properly fixed to supports, preferably with long drivers screws. Spaces between the roof and the supports should be sealed off during hurricane periods.
Wooden houses- should be securely fixed to supports with their footings well into the ground. Houses should be protected against wood ants.
Try to ensure that there is a reserve of tinned milk or other tinned food as emergency rations in the home. Keep supplies of clean drinking water at hand, and that any open drinking water tanks are kept securely covered.
Cut any overhanging tree or branches above houses.
Unblock all drains, gullies, or ravines for free flow of main water.
Keep emergency items ready at all times in one place which is easy to reach and known to the whole family.
Keep a flashlight, hurricane lamp filled with kerosene, and matches in your house together with simple first aid equipment such as bandages, eye lotions, iodine, plasters, absorbent lint; as well as a portable radio with spare batteries.
Take similar precautions with respect to valuables , i.e.; passbooks, securities, cash etc.
Know how and where to turn off your electricity, gas and water.
See that there are adequate water and storage facilities such as drums, barrels, and tanks if possible.
Get extra food early in the season - so that you don't have to rush at the last moment especially foods which can be eaten without cooking or require very little preparation.
Be sure that emergency cooking facilities are in proper working order, procure a supply of kerosene and charcoal.
Discuss disaster risks with your family and make advance arrangements to get in touch with all family members.
Get to know the location of your shelter before an emergency, and the best way to get there.
On Hearing "Advisory" - issued at regular intervals when a hurricane is first detected in the area.
Listen carefully for other messages which follow the advisory. This will prepare you for s hurricane emergency well in advance of the issue of watches and warnings.
On hurricane "Watch"- issued when the hurricane continues its advance and threatens coastal and inland regions.
Continue normal activities, but stay tuned to your local radio station for all national weather services advisories. Remember a hurricane watch means possible danger within 24 hours.
On Hurricane "Warning"- issued once it is established that a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours.
Pay no attention to rumours. Rely on official advice and warnings. Stay tuned to your radio.
Take cover as soon as possible; leave low lying areas that might be swept away by storm surges. Do not run the risk of being marooned.
See that livestock has plenty of food and water, and fasten them securely in suitable buildings; if not leave them untethered.
Board up windows or protect them with storm shutters or tape.
Check your battery powered equipment and emergency cooking facilities.
Disconnect the intake of your cistern and block the outlet as soon as possible otherwise the water in the cistern may become contaminated.
Get in extra food.
Be calm. Your ability to do so may inspire and help others.
Plan your time before the storm arises and avoid the last minute hurry which might leave you stranded or unprepared.
Take in atleast several days supply of sterilised drinking water, and water for other purposes.
Secure outdoor objects that might be blown away. Anchor them or store them inside before the storm.
Harvest and store all nearly ripened fruits, as they become a source of food as well as prevent them from becoming missiles and damaging property during the storm.
Moore your boats securely before the storm arrives, or move it to a designated area, until the storm has died.
Use telephones only for emergencies. Do not jam the lines with unnecessary calls.
If the eye of the hurricane passes over your place, there may be a lull. Stay in a safe place. Only make emergency repairs during the lull if absolutelynecessary, but remember the wind will return suddenly. (remember to check that a window or door is opened on the leeward side of the house and board up the one you kept free before.)
If your house shows signs of collapsing, take cover under a stairway or strong table.
In many homes the bathroom is the safest place. You have water and sanitation facilities.
Provide children with fun indoor games as well as snacks that do not require refrigeration.
Exercise extreme caution with candles and lanterns. Keep a bucket of sand nearby if you have to extinguish a fire.
Stay inside until you receive the "all clear" from the official sources.
If it is not safe at home, move to a designated shelter, and remember to carry enough food and blankets for you and your family.
Before you leave be sure you and your family are well fed. Avoid already flooded areas. Do not attempt to cross any stretch of flood waters on foot if they are more than knee high.
Do not drive where the water is over the roads, the roads could already be washed away.
Take what precautions you can to protect your property.
Take small valuables and important papers but remember travel light.
Register each member of your family as soon as you enter the shelter.
