Before a storm surge
Preparing for a storm surge
- Check your house and land for any potential dangers related to flooding. Identify any vulnerability and repair it.
- Sandbags are a valuable tool to prevent water from entering your home. This approach requires specific instructions from your local emergency officials.
- Learn how to turn off the gas and electricity in your house. You may be instructed by local authorities to shut these off.
- If you live in an area that is subject to flooding, do not store your important documents in the basement. Keep them at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
- Ensure that your family has an emergency kit and plan.
- Ensure your emergency kit is portable, in a back-pack or suitcase with wheels.
- Your local chapter of St. John Ambulance can teach you first aid and CPR. Your local Red Cross can teach you survival techniques in the water through their swimming and boating courses.
If a storm surge is forecast
- Check supplies including medications, radio, flashlight and batteries.
- You may have to evacuate. Keep your emergency kit close at hand.
- Make sure the basement windows are closed.
- Fuel your car. If evacuation becomes necessary, it will be hard to stop for gas.
If you have any questions or need to know more about evacuation procedures, contact your local emergency management organization, or police or fire department.
What to do:
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