Hurricane Season is here. It runs from June through November. There are things you can do now, to protect yourself and your family in the event of a Hurricane.
- Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor official weather forecasts and other important information for your area.
- Families who have special medical needs or elderly members should closely monitor weather forecasts and make plans for potential alternate arrangements should an extended outage occur.
- Have a plan to move yourself and your family – especially those with special needs – to an alternate location in case you have to evacuate or experience an extended power outage.
- Keep a supply of water and nonperishable food items on hand.
- Ensure first aid supplies and all medicines are readily available.
- Make sure flashlights are readily available and working and that a supply of extra batteries is on hand.
- Consider the need for specialty items such as prescription medication, baby food, additional warm clothing and a safe heat source.
- Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency water supply in case power to their electric water pumps is interrupted.
- If you have an emergency heating or power source, learn how to use it properly.
- Have at least one traditional analog phone in your home that does not require electricity to operate. Cordless phones and phones with built-in answering machines will not operate during a power outage.
Also, be sure to
- Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
- Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
- If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
- Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy or your local emergency services department or agency.
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