Are you ready for Hanna?
Okay, so Hanna is not a hurricane. And it's likely to be weakened by the time it crosses the Carolinas and Southeastern Virginia and finally reaches Delmarva.
No matter. Hanna will be a windy storm, with gobs of rain. The barometer has begun to head downward, so Hanna is on her way. It's only prudent to consider your risks and make sensible preparations. Here is the storm-prep checklist from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Look it over. Consider your pets and loved ones. Do what needs to be done.
Before the storm:
* If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled
water, prescription medicines, and important documents.
* If you plan to drive, fill your gas tank as soon as possible.
* Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances
before leaving.
* Take steps to ensure your pets' safety during the storm.
* Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect
heavy traffic.
If you stay home during the storm:
* Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food,
bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to
five days.
* Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure
that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan.
* Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case
of flooding.
* Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for
local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
* If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor's or a
local shelter.
After the storm:
* Do not drive through flooded roads, as cars can be swept away or
lose power.
* NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
* Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your
home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks.
* Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or
newspaper) to find out if it's safe to use tap water, and follow
instructions regarding water.
* If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil water before
you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking,
drinking, or bathing.
* Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
* Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of
candles, to prevent fires.
* Stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges release dangerous
carbon monoxide gas and should always be used outdoors, far away from
windows, doors and vents.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes
or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
