Gordon will be making landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Tuesday evening. To ensure that residents are prepared for the potential hurricane, here are a few helpful safety tips.
Before the Storm:
- Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for news about watches, warnings, and information from your local electric power association.
- Have your hurricane supply kit ready to go.
- Charge cell phones, laptops, and backup chargers.
- Be sure there are flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
- Fill a bathtub with extra water.
- Plan an evacuation route if necessary. Contact local authorities for information about evacuation routes and shelters. Leave early. Always let someone out of state know what your evacuation plans are.
- Create an inventory of items in your house. Video or take pictures of your home.
- Gather insurance information.
- If it looks as though water may enter your home, it’s a good idea to open the main breaker in your electrical breaker box in order to cut off the power.
- Adjust the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food fresh longer in case you lose power.
- Unplug the electricity and main water valve.
- If you have a swimming pool, turn off all pumps and filters.
- Cover windows.
- Bring outdoor furniture inside.
- Fasten boats securely.
- Elevate furniture to minimize damage in case of flooding.
- Lock your home.
After the Storm:
- Please use common sense – electricity and water do not mix.
- Never attempt to plug in or use an electrical appliance or device while standing in water or on a damp surface.
- If water entered your home, you should have your electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrician as quickly as possible.
- In cases where electric motors were flooded, they should be thoroughly checked by an electrician or certified repairman before reconnected to a power source.
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed during the time you’re without electric service.
- Treat all downed power lines as energized. Beware of downed lines hidden by debris. Report all downed lines immediately.
- Prevent generator back feed. Plug appliances or equipment directly into the generator. Keep the generator in an open area to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
Below is a list of items that you should consider adding to your Hurricane preparedness kit.
- Water
- Food
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools
- Paper plates/plastic utensils
- Blankets/pillows, etc.
- Clothing
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Radio
- Toiletries
- Cash
- Keys
- Important documents
- Tools
- Medicine
