Action to Take Before a Hurricane

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County offers this brief list of how to prepare for high winds. Follow the links at the end of this article for detailed information on hurricane preparedness from the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Prepare for high winds

• Bringing in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, trash cans, flags and banners, hanging plants and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
• Trim dead or weak branches from trees.
• If automobiles are not garaged, identify a location for parking away from trees and power lines.
• If you have a boat, moor it securely or move it to a designated safe place.
• Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood for windows. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping is not recommended.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Emergency food and water (See links for specific information)
• Disposable plates, cups, eating utensils and plastic bags
• Non-electric can opener
• Essential medications
• Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing
• Cash and credit cards
• Other special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members and pets
  

Prepare to shelter in place if not ordered to evacuate

• Take refuge in an interior room away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
• If not instructed by officials to turn off utilities, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
• Mobile homes or other temporary structures are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground. Plan to evacuate.

Do not be fooled if there is a lull in the winds, it could be the eye of the storm and winds will pick up again.

Water

• Store one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people need more water.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Food

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Kit realizing that familiar foods can lift morale and give a feeling of security in times of stress.

  - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  - Canned juices
  - Nonfat dry milk or evaporated (canned) milk
  - Dry cereal
  - High energy foods including protein or fruit bars
  - Peanut butter
  - Dried fruit
  - Nuts
  - Crackers
  - Staples (salt, sugar, instant cocoa, coffee, tea)

  Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention, as will infants and elderly people. Don't forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

For specific information on how to prepare water for storing, finding hidden water sources in your home and planning an emergency food supply go to this Cornell Cooperative Extension site: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/prepared/naturaldisasters.pdf

If you are interested in stocking a long-term emergency food supply with suggested quantities of bulk foods go to: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/FDNS-E-34-1.html

Suggested menus for three days - 'Be Prepared with a Three-Day Emergency Food Supply', University of Maine Cooperative Extension: http://www.umext.maine.edu/emergency/9006.htm

Information on how long refrigerated and frozen foods can be kept after a power outage, go to Suffolk's Cornell Cooperative Extension site: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk/prepared.power outages.pdf

In addition to food and water, the American Red Cross suggests families prepare for disaster by preparing other kits for first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, personal hygiene and sanitation, and one for important family documents. Explore the complete disaster resources provided by the American Red Cross at their web site: www.redcross.org or call the Suffolk County Chapter at 631/924-6700.

The following agencies have current and detailed information on a variety of disaster preparedness including community and family disaster planning, sheltering-in-place, responding to a biological or chemical threat, and financial preparations:

Federal Emergency Management Agency - www.fema.gov
Food and Drug Administration - www.fda.gov
Cornell Cooperative Extension - food safety and natural disasters - www.cce.cornell.edu/food/ed_resources/pdf_files/natural_disasters.pdf
NYSEG - generator safety info - http://www.nyseg.com/nysegweb/online.nsf/doc/egs/$file/emerggen.pdf

Preparing for an emergency situation, whether it's a natural disaster such as a hurricane or a terrorist attack, makes good sense. Contact the Consumer HelpLine of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County for more information on emergency food supplies and food safety. Call 631/727-7850, ext. 374 or email jln9@cornell.edu

Prepared by:
Janet Nadaskay, Consumer HelpLine Consultant at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County