Politics & Government

How to Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

American Red Cross issued the following checklist for residents

 

Are you ready for Hurricane Sandy? 

The American Red Cross has a checklist to help people prepare for Sandy’s potential landfall next week.  

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Just as the Red Cross is preparing for Hurricane Sandy, people in New Jersey should take the threat of Sandy seriously and take steps now to be prepared – build a kit, make a plan and be informed. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of hurricanes, which may bring flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes.

The Red Cross recommends that residents have the following things ready in case Hurricane Sandy makes its way to New Jersey. 

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• A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:

• Water -- one gallon per person, per day.

• Food -- nonperishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit.

• Don't forget to include a manual can opener.

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.

• A first aid kit.

• Prescription and nonprescription medication items. Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.

• Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards.

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

• Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.

• Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.

• One blanket or sleeping bag per person.

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).

 

Know what to do if a hurricane watch is issued.

• Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.

• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.

• Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.

• If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.

• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.

• Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.

Know what to do if a hurricane warning is issued.

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.

• If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.

• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.

• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.

• Do not use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.

• If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.


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