GETTING READY FOR A HURRICANE

Listen for accurate, up-to-the-minute evacuation and shelter information direct from the Calcasieu and Cameron Office of Emergency Preparedness.
Stay tuned for official advisories.
Have a battery-powered radio in case electricity goes out.
Have a flashlight, with good batteries, handy.
Have adequate first-aid supplies on hand.
Use 24 hour tellers to ensure you have an ample supply of cash on hand.
Take all porch furniture, and anything else that could blow away, indoors. Tightly secure anything else that might be torn loose.
Protect all windows with shutters, tape and/or boards.
Fill your bathtubs and other containers with water. If your water service is disrupted, you will need one quart of water per person per day.
Make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car. A disruption of electrical service means gas pumps will not operate.
Family members under care of a physician should call their doctors for advice.
Make plans for family pets. If evacuation is necessary, they will not be permitted in shelters. Seeing Eye dogs are the only exception. Call your local veterinarian for advice.
Be prepared to cut off electricity, gas and water where it enters your house.
Find the address of the emergency shelter nearest your home.
Evacuate low-lying areas early, especially if flooding is expected.
Stock up on foods that can be easily prepared if electric and gas service is disrupted.

SHOPPING SUGGESTIONS

Stock up on canned goods that can be eaten out of the can without having to be heated, such as beans, fish, stews and hash. And be sure you have a hand can opener. Be sure, also, to have instant coffee, non-dairy creamer and powdered milk. Other food items you might want to stock include fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, nuts, candy, bread, peanut butter, and dried meat. And, of course, don't forget baby food and formulas, special diet foods and pet food. You might also want to have a sterno stove and a styrotbam cooler on hand.

DURING A HURRICANE

Stay indoors and away from windows and other glassed areas.
Don't go outdoors during the "eye" of the hurricane.
Continue to listen for official National Weather Service reports.
Do not phone the station or National Weather Service for information since lines are needed for emergency communications. If the calm storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half an hour or more. Stay in a safe place unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary.
Watch for rising water.
Stay away from fallen wires.
If your electricity goes off, turn off all appliances. When power is restored a sudden electrical surge could occur, causing damage to appliances that are still turned on. Do not disconnect refrigerators or freezers. Turn their controls to the coldest setting. Keep doors closed as much as possible.
If you smell gas, turn off gas supply to meter, extinguish all flames, and do not light matches or use electrical equipment.
Take precautions with water. The only safe water is the water you stored before it came in contact with flood waters. If you need more, boil it for thirty minutes before use. Treat all water in this manner until an official announcement is made that tap water is safe.
Use your telephone only in emergencies.
If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

IF YOU EVACUATE

Shut off water at the main valve where it enters your home.
Disconnect major electrical appliances except freezer and refrigerator. Turn them to their coldest setting.
Take the following supplies: prescription/other special medicines; canned food (regular meals may not be provided in shelters); hand can opener; baby formulas; disposable diapers; sanitary napkins; first-aid kit; battery-operated radio; identification tags (for every member of the family with name and address of next of kin); flashlights; candles and matches; clothing, blankets and pillows; life jackets; games and amusements for children; and purse, wallet, checkbook and other valuables.
Notify relatives that you are evacuating and tell them where you are going.
Leave as soon as possible and follow official instructions.

AFTER A HURRICANE

Listen for official National Weather Service reports that danger has passed.
Do not eat or drink anything that might have been touched by flood waters.
Disinfect any cooking or eating utensils that might have been touched by flood waters.
Discard all spoiled foods in tightly secured plastic bags.
Dispose of all mattresses, pillows and cushions which have come in contact with flood waters.
Do not drink tap water until official word is issued that it is safe.
Stay away from fallen wires and report them to the utility company.
Turn on appliances when electrical service is restored.
If you turned off your gas supply, it should be turned back on only by a gas service employee or a licensed plumber.
Contact relatives as soon as possible, but do not make unnecessary use of telephones.