Somerville, June 13, 2007 - Hurricane Preparedness Here's what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.

• Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.
  

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

Know What to Do When a Hurricane WARNING Is Issued

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.
  

Know What to Do After a Hurricane Is Over

• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
• If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
• Inspect your home for damage.
• Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
• Power Outage Safety
• Food Safety
• Chainsaw Safety
• Portable Generator Safety
• Water treatment
  

Additional Materials Available

• "Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage" (PDF File) (ARC 5023)
• "Are You Ready for a Thunderstorm?" (ARC 5009)
• "Are You Ready for a Flood or Flash Flood?" (ARC 4458)
• "Are You Ready for a Tornado?" (ARC 4457)
• "Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
• "Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)
  

For more information on hurricanes or any other disaster, please contact the Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross , 14 West Cliff Street, Somerville, NJ 08876 at (908)725-2217 or at www.redcross.org/nj/gscc .