Until hurricane season ends, here are a few general precautions for your home in the event of an official Hurricane Warning:

1. Put away or secure all loose objects in your yard, patio or porch. These items become dangerous missiles in a strong wind and damage property or people.

2. Remove or secure canvas awnings. Lower storm awnings and put up storm shutters if you have them. Plywood can be used if it is tightly secure and windows and glass doors can be taped in large “X “ patterns to reduce the strain on the glass.

3. Put all cars and bicycles in the garage. If you have a carport, put the car there but make sure that everything loose in the carport is secure or brought inside. If you do not have a carport, leave your car on high ground, away from trees and running street water. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas: most gas pumps will not be working if there is a power failure.

4. Lower your satellite dish or television antenna.

5. Fill your bathtub with water for future use. Make sure you have 7 - 10 gallons of drinking water for each family member including pets.

6. Haul boats out of the water and secure on land or moor them carefully.

7. Make sure that you have enough food on hand for 5 – 7 days. Frozen foods pose a problem but you can keep what you have on hand for 1-2 days if you keep the freezer door closed as much as possible.

8. Have a good flash light on hand, back up batteries, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, candles, matches or lighters and keep them in plastic bags.

9. Have an adequate supply of medications and pharmaceuticals being uses by any member of the family including pets.

10. Make sure that trees and large shrubs are pruned back before the hurricane season comes.


HURRICANE NAMES FOR 2003:
Ana Bill Claudette
Danny Erika Fabian
Grace Henri Isabel
Juan Kate Larry
Mindy Nicholas Odette
Peter Rose Sam
Teresa Victor Wanda


EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County Emergency Management
561-712-6400

American Red Cross
561-833-7711

Special Needs (Elderly & Handicapped)
561-712-6400

Rumor Control (24 hr Hot Line)
561-712-6400