THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 11, 1996 TAG: 9607110441
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 80 lines
With the approaching threat of Hurricane Bertha, officials recommend taking the following precautions:
BEFORE THE STORM
Make an evacuation plan with your family, deciding which route to take, what vehicles you will use and where you will stay. If you don't own a vehicle, make arrangements with someone to let you leave with them in case of an evacuation.
Get plywood cut to fit doors and windows of your house. Keep hammer, nails, tape and boards on hand to make securing the windows and doors easier. Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent them from lifting off their tracks.
Photograph or prepare an inventory list of personal valuables, household furnishings and equipment - with serial numbers - so losses can be properly reimbursed.
Make arrangements to place your pets somewhere if you do not intend to bring them with you during an evacuation. Most shelters and hotels will not accept animals.
Trim dead wood or branches from trees.
Check for loose rain gutters and downspouts.
Gather supplies and important papers into a central spot so that you can take everything you need with you without having to search first.
Hurricane evacuation kits should include:
A first-aid kit
At least a two-week supply of medicine
A three-day supply of dry or canned food
Bottled water
Clothes for at least three days
Blankets or sleeping bags
Lightweight folding chairs or cots
Infant or pet necessities
Insurance papers and contact numbers, other official documentation
Valid photo identification, birth certificates
Portable radio and cellular telephone, if possible
Fresh batteries
Flashlights
Manual can opener
Washcloths and towels
Ice chest or cooler
Toiletries
IF YOU EVACUATE:
Shut off your electricity, gas and water.
Fill your automobile with gasoline.
Secure or bring inside all tools, lawn furniture, trash cans, bicycles, outdoor equipment or anything that could be blown about in a storm.
Secure your boat or move it out of the water.
Move valuable heirlooms or keepsakes upstairs.
Fill bathtubs and containers with water, as wells or water lines may be contaminated when you return. Bathtubs, sinks and containers can be sanitized first by rinsing them with bleach.
Turn refrigerators to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
Move any automobiles that will not be used to evacuate to higher ground.
WHEN YOU RETURN:
Report broken or damaged water, sewer and electrical lines.
Check for gas leaks, electrical shorts or live wires.
If you have a well, check water for contamination.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage.
Before entering any building, check for structural damage, loose boards and snakes.
Do not use an open flame or smoke cigarettes when you enter your home; explosive gases may be trapped inside the building. Use a battery-operated flashlight.
Photograph damage to building and contents.
Contact insurance officials.
Shovel out mud and debris. Scrub all woodwork with a stiff brush. Wash walls from the bottom up.
Do not make permanent repairs until an insurance adjuster has been consulted.
Keep all receipts for repair expenses.
If your car has been damaged in a flood, do not attempt to start or operate it until it is thoroughly dried out.
Raise carpets to let air circulate.
KEYWORDS: HURRICANE BERTHA EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS by CNB