Pointers For Hurricane Season

June 30, 2005

Preparation for the threats posed by a hurricane is vital, according to Ron Saacke, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Red Cross ask that residents consider the following basic steps to prepare in advance of a hurricane watch or warning:

* Prepare an emergency kit that includes a three- to five-day supply of non-perishable food and water, a first aid kit, batteries and flashlights, a battery-powered radio and extra blankets and clothes.

* Keep a fire extinguisher handy and make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it.


* Post emergency phone numbers at every phone.

* Make trees more wind-resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. Strategically remove branches so that wind can blow through. Remove or trim any large trees that overhang or are close to the home.

* Bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else outside your home that can be picked up by the wind.

* Identify ahead of time where you could go if you were told to evacuate. Choose more than one place.

* Fill sinks and bathtubs with water as an extra supply for washing.

* If you are in a hurricane zone, consider hurricane shutters or purchase precut one-half inch plywood and pre-drill holes so that you can put it up quickly.


* Stay away from windows and exterior doors, seeking shelter in the center of the home in a bathroom or basement to help reduce your risk of injury.

For more information and other safety tips, contact Virginia Farm Bureau Safety at (804) 290-1376 or visit www.vafb.com and click on "safety." *

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