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From Mayor Felicia M. Brunson
Hurricanes are strong storms that cause damage and property threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. You can take steps to reduce the risk of serious disruption, injury or loss of life by making preparations. We want to do our part in helping you get prepared for a hurricane. Planning ahead can save time and lives in many types of emergencies. Even if you have taken some steps in the past to prepare, it is important that you revisit and update your communication plan and check your emergency preparedness kit for expired items. As your elected city officials, with the competent help of our city staff, this information has been prepared as another aid in assisting you to safely navigate through a hurricane if one is predicted for your area.
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Staying Safe Indoors
If a hurricane does make landfall, you should do the following:
- Monitor radio or television for weather updates and instructions from emergency management and public safety officials.
- Stay indoors, preferably in a designated, interior “safe room” with few or no windows.
- Place towels along window sills and bottoms of doors.
- Leave the main circuit breaker on (unless power fails).
- Take your disaster emergency kit with you if you move from room to room.
- If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
- If flooding occurs in your home, elevate valuables to table tops or high places.
- If you lose power, turn off all major appliances.
- Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source.
- Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm.
- Keep children informed about what is happening and watch for signs of stress.
- Keep animals in their carriers.
- Do NOT go outside as the eye of the hurricane passes as tornadoes can appear at any time.
- Monitor your local radio station and if a tornado warning is issued, take refuge in an interior hallway or on the lower level if in a tall building. Stay away from glass doors and windows. You can also take cover under heavy furniture in the center of the house.
