When a storm is fast approaching, we want to make sure you are safe. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a storm.
WHAT SUPPLIES SHOULD I HAVE TO STAY SAFE?
- Flashlights and a battery powered TV and radio handy in case the power goes out
- Extra batteries: AA, AAA, C and D batteries are recommended
- At least 3 day supply of water (one gallon per day per person)
- At least 3 day supply of food (If you have a baby, at least 1 weeks worth of baby food)
- First-aid kit
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Cell phone (fully charged) with an extra battery or external charger that doesn’t require electricity
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
- Extra set of car keys and house keys
- Insect repellent (with deet)
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Camera for photos of possible damage
- Pet supplies, including a collar, leash, ID, food, carrier and bowl
Click here to download an extensive list of emergency supplies that you can print out or save to your smartphone.
WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE A STORM?
- Fill your car’s gas tank
- Take out extra cash and store it in a safe place
- Purchase flashlights. Do NOT use candles as it can cause a fire
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by high winds. Some items include bicycles, lawn furniture, small plants
- Close all windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
- If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
- Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan can minimize confusion and fear during a storm. Check with your county for the latest on evacuation routes.
- Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- If you have a boat, secure it.
WHAT SHOULD I DO AFTER A STORM:
- Let your friends & family know you’re safe. You can do so on Facebook’s Safety Check or on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.
- Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
- If an evacuation order was issued, only return home when officials say it is safe to do so.
- Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
- Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
- Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the storm has ended.
- Stay out of any building that has water around it.
- Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
- Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
- Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
(Information via American Red Cross)
HOW CAN I STAY ALERT WITH WHAT’S GOING ON?
- If you have power and access to a TV, watch 7News for the latest information regarding a storm’s track and intensity. We will also have any new developments from officials.
- Have power but your cable is out? We are available for free on channel 7.1 on a digital antenna
- If you have internet access or a smartphone that can connect to the internet, visit WSVN.com to watch us streaming LIVE
- Follow WSVN on Twitter & Facebook for important storm updates right in your timeline & Newsfeed.
- Use an FM radio to listen to 7News coverage from our radio partners:
- Easy 93.1, HITS 97.3, 99.1 JAMZ, HOT 105.1
- Download our “7 News App” available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Kindle devices. There, you’ll find updates on closures, cancellations, conditions and breaking news in your area. You can also watch us LIVE right from the app.
- iPhone users: Click here to download or search “wsvn” in the App store
- Android users: Click here to download or search “wsvn” in the Google Play store
- We also have a Hurricane Tracker app & 7Weather app.
Related Stories:
Where to get hurricane hardware, shutters
Generator safety tips
Tip: You may want to print this list out and keep it handy.
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