State offers hurricane safety tips

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When the Storm Strikes

· If you are traveling, find safe shelter immediately.

· Have a plan for those with special needs, children, the elderly and pets.

· Monitor local media reports and follow emergency instructions and orders from authorities.

If you are at home or at work:

· If you have been ordered to evacuate, do so. If not, stay put in a well-constructed building.

· Continue to listen to local radio, television reports or NOAA Weather Radio for latest information on the storm’s progress and for bulletins from emergency officials.

· Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.

· Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.

· Turn off propane tanks.

· Unplug small appliances.

· Fill large containers with water.

If winds become strong:

· Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway.

· Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.

· If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.

· If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from the windows.

· Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

· Remain indoors during a hurricane or coastal storm. Don’t be fooled by the “eye” or the lull that occurs as the storm center moves overhead. The other side of the hurricane “eye” has winds that will rapidly increase and will come from the opposite direction.

If You Are Ordered To Evacuate

· Follow the instructions and advice of local government officials. If you are advised to evacuate, do so promptly.

· If you are advised to go to a certain location, go there. Don’t go anywhere else.

· If certain travel routes are advised, use those routes rather than trying to find short cuts.

· If you are told to shut off water, gas or electrical service to your home before leaving, do so.

· Before you leave, secure your home. Bring inside or secure loose items. Shutter windows and doors securely. Turn off electricity at main switch and the gas at each appliance.

· Leave as soon as officials instruct that you do to avoid being marooned on flooded highways.

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