Hurricane Irene: Tips For Getting Ready

With Hurricane Irene quickly approaching, Bridgewater Township, through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, has offered tips for making it through the storm.

Preparing for a hurricane when under a watch or warning:

• Learn about emergency plans, warning signals, evacuation routes and locations of emergency shelters for your community.
• Identify possible home hazards and be aware of how to secure or protect them. Be ready to turn off electrical power before any evacuation, and also turn off gas and water supplies. Secure any items that are structurally unstable.
• Buy a fire extinguisher for your home.
• Locate and secure any important paperwork.
• Have emergency phone numbers handy.
• Inform local authorities about any important needs for the elderly or disabled members of your family.
• Ensure the safety of your pets.
• Fill the gas tank for vehicles.
• Make arrangements for transportation if you don’t have a car.
• Fill clean water containers.
• Tune in to the radio, television and Internet for continuous weather updates.
• Place vehicles under cover if possible.
• Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply to be used for washing.
• Adjust the thermostat on refrigerators and freezers to the coolest temperatures available.

Needed emergency supplies to have in your home:

• Clean containers for water—five gallons for each person
• Non-perishable foods for three to five days
• A first aid kit
• A radio, flashlights and extra batteries for all
• Sleeping bags and blankets
• Water-purifying supplies
• Any needed prescription medications
• Baby food and prepared formula, diapers or other baby supplies
• Disposable cleaning cloths
• Personal hygiene supplies
• An emergency kit for the car, including food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools and other materials

If you are told to evacuate:

• Take only essential items.
• Turn off the gas, electricity and water if you have time.
• Disconnect appliances.
• Make sure the emergency kit for your car is ready.
• Follow all designated evacuation routes.

If you are not required to evacuate:

• Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions.
• Stay indoors until you are told the storm is over.
• Do not go outside.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors while seeking shelter in a bathroom.
• Prepare to evacuate to a shelter or to a neighbor’s home if you must.

*All information from the Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.