Surviving a Major Coastal Storm
Do not take predictions of a major coastal storm lightly. Since floodwaters can rise quickly, be ready to evacuate before the water reaches your home. Then, take the following steps, if necessary, to protect you and your family.
- Listen to your battery powered radio for updates and instructions for your area.
- When you are outside of your house, avoid flooded roads and do not try to walk through floodwaters.
- Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if you are likely to evacuate. Only touch electrical equipment in dry areas and only if you are standing on a dry piece of wood and wearing rubber gloves and rubber-soled boots or shoes.
- Move all valuables, including valuable papers, to higher floors or elevations that won't be reached by water.
- Fill your bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in the event the regular water supply is contaminated. Rinse with bleach to sanitize these items first.
- Either board up windows or protect them with storm shutters.
- Bring outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and other moveable objects into the house or tie them down very securely.
- Stock your car with nonperishable foods such as canned goods, a plastic container of water, blankets, first aid kit, flashlights with extra batteries, dry clothes, and any special medication required by family members.
- Make sure your car's gas tank is at least half full as a major storm approaches because gas pumps probably won't be working.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads since parts of the road may already be washed out.
- If your car should stall in a flooded area, abandon it as quickly as possible since floodwaters can rise very quickly and sweep a car and its occupants away. Do not try to move the vehicle -- many deaths have resulted from trying to move stalled vehicles.
- If you're caught in your home and can't escape, move to the second floor or, if necessary, to the roof. Take warm clothes, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a portable radio and wait for help. Do not try to swim to safety. Rescue workers will be looking for you.
[A Major Storm]
[Preparing for a Major Storm]
[After a Major Storm]
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