How to prepare for a hurricane

Sep. 1--SOUTHEASTERN N.C. -- It's still too early to say how Hurricane Dorian might impact Southeastern North Carolina, but officials say the chances for dangerous weather are increasing. Now is the time to get your hurricane plan in place, and gather any needed supplies:

Emergency plan essentials:

* Phone numbers of a pre-assigned contact person for family members to call

* List of where to find information on shelters

* How to be safe if you stay in your home during an emergency

* What to do with your pets

* Thoughts about any older adults or those with functional needs in the home

Download a plan worksheet here: ReadyNC.org/EN/Plan_MakeAPlan.html

Hurricane kit necessities:

* Water. 1 gallon per person, per day, prepare for a minimum of three days.

* Battery-operated television or radio.

* Extra batteries

* Manual can opener

* Local maps

* Flashlights and waterproof matches

* Cellphone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

* Toilet paper

* Baby supplies

* Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)

* Rain gear (including a hat)

* Bleach or water purification tablets

* Soap and detergent

* Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.

* Charcoal/lighter fluid or portable camping stove

* Disposable plates, glasses and utensils

* Ice chest and ice

* Valuable papers -- insurance information, passports, Social Security cards, bank account and credit card numbers, wills, deeds, etc. -- or copies, in a waterproof bag

* Prescription and other necessary medicines

* Blankets, tarp and masking tape

* Dust mask to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape.

* Three day's worth of clothing, sleeping bags

* First-aid kit, aspirin or pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, scissors, tweezers, bug spray

* Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

* Fire extinguisher -- ABC type

* Extra pair of eyeglasses

* Extra house, car keys

* Tools: Shut-off wrench, pliers

* Needles, thread

* Whistle

* Signal flare

* Games,books for entertainment

* Petcare: leashes, pet carriers, food

* Sunscreen and sunglasses

Food for hurricane kit:

* Baby food, baby formula, powdered milk

* Canned meats (Spam, chicken, ham)

* Canned fish (tuna, sardines)

* Canned meals: spaghetti, soup, stew, chili

* Canned fruits and vegetables

* Cereal, crackers and cookies

* Instant coffee, tea bags, sodas, juice

* Granola bars, nuts, trail mix

* Peanut butter and jelly

* Sugar, salt, pepper

Home preparations if the storm will hit:

* Gather important paperwork, including copies of insurance policies, medical records, prescriptions, etc. Bring copies with you if you need to leave your home.

* If severe storms are coming, protect your property by covering windows with storm shutters, siding or plywood. Move vehicles into garages, or park them near your home and away from trees.

* Bring bulky or heavy objects such as lawn furniture, grills, garbage cans, tools, potted plants, etc. inside. Tie down anything you cannot bring indoors.

* Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case regular supplies are dirty. Clean these containers by first rinsing them with bleach.

* Put sandbags or other protection in place, based on predicted flood depths. Keep sandbags away from the outside walls of your house to prevent floodwaters from reaching your house.

* Move valuable papers, jewelry and other contents to upper floors or higher levels to keep them from flood water.

* If time permits, turn off services at the main power switch and close the main gas valve. In case of flooding, do not touch any electrical equipment. Only touch it is in a dry area or you are standing on a dry piece of wood while wearing rubber-soled shoes or boots and rubber gloves.

* If you're caught in the house by suddenly rising waters, move to the second floor or the roof. Take warm clothing, a flashlight and portable radio with you. Call 911 and wait for help. Rescue teams will look for you.

Sources: Ready NC; American Red Cross; FEMA; N.C. Emergency Management

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