Michael Petruccelli asks; What should I do when a hurricane warning for Isaac is issued for my area?

Michael Petruccelli says;  When A Hurricane Warning Is Issued:  

Hurricane conditions are less than 36 hours away and violent weather may come quickly. If you are not ordered to evacuate, complete your preparations and head to your home’s safe room.

• Move your supplies and emergency survival kit to your safe room.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors, particularly double inward-opening doors and garage doors.
• Most importantly, stay inside and do not leave your shelter.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What tips can you share to help when tropical storm or hurricane Isaac approaches?

Michael Petruccelli says;  As A Storm Approaches: If you are planning to leave the area, go early.

Other tips:

• Refill your prescriptions. Make sure you have at least a one-week supply.
• Fill your car’s gas tank. Have the oil, water and tires checked. Gas pumps cannot operate during power outages. Place emergency items inside like booster cables, tire repair kit and spare tire and flashlight with extra batteries.
• If your home may flood, stack valuable items and cover them with plastic.
• Get cash. Credit cards may not work. ATM's my not be operable.
• Secure your boat and make arrangements for your pets early.
  When a Hurricane Watch is issued, a storm may affect our area within 36 hours. This is the time to review your Family Plan and Emergency Survival Kit checklist.
• Contact family members to coordinate efforts and exchange plan information.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.
• Freeze drinking water in plastic jugs.
• Stock up on an emergency water supply. Sterilize bathtub, jugs, bottles, utensils and containers.
• Set up 5-gallon buckets with tight-fitting lids for use as emergency toilets. Line each bucket with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
• Install shutters or precut plywood over windows.
• Drop the water level in your pool by 1 or 2 feet. Shock the pool with extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.
• Turn off the pool pump. Put outdoor furniture and pool equipment into the pool, but remove after the storm passes to prevent rusting.
• Listen for weather updates and information on local TV or radio. The NOAA Weather Radio is a reliable source. Turn to PCC-TV, Your County Connection, to receive the latest official Pinellas-specific information. Don’t rely on rumors and speculation.

Michael Petruccelli asks; What should I do when Tropical Storm Isaac is starting to approach the area?

Michael Petruccelli says;  Select A Safe Room:  

If you don’t have to evacuate and plan to weather a hurricane at home, set up a safe room for you and your family in case your home is damaged. This is also a good place to store emergency supplies, important papers and battery-powered radios.

Make sure the room has a solid-core door with heavy duty hinges for greater protection. Use long screws to ensure the hinges are anchored securely. Installing a deadbolt lock, like those found on entry doors, will further help protect you and your family.

Where your safe room should be located depends upon how many levels are in your home or building.

• In a one-story house, the ideal safe room is in the center of your home with few or no windows.
• In a two-story house, seek out an interior first-floor room such as a bathroom, closet or space under the stairs.
• In a multiple-story building, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in halls or other interior rooms away from windows. Interior stairwells and areas around elevators shafts are generally the strongest parts of a building.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How should I prepare for when tropical storm Isaac turns into a hurricane?

Michael Petruccelli says;  If you plan on staying in your home going to a relatives or a shelter you should prepare an emergency survival kit that provides your family’s needs for a minimum 3 days (according to the Red Cross)  to one week as suggested by the Pinellas County Emergency Services .

If you are staying home during a hurricane Here’s a list of items to consider for your survival kit. Keep items in airtight plastic bags or containers. Replace stored water every six months and double check battery expiration dates. 

Suggested items for a “Stay Kit”:

• One-week supply of food that requires no cooking and fluids to drink
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Nuts, beef jerky and trail mix
• Raisins, peanut butter and granola bars
• Formula or baby food
• Canned juices or sports drinks
• One gallon of water per person per day
• Non-electric can opener
• Utility knife
• Cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Cooler and ice
• Pet food
• First Aid Supplies
• Adhesive bandages, gauze pads and tape
• Soap and anti-bacterial hand gel
• Antiseptic
• Latex gloves, scissors and tweezers
• Thermometer
• Sunscreen
• Over-the-counter pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medicine and laxative
• Anti-itch cream
• Cooler(s) 

Tools and Emergency Supplies:

• Flashlight and lanterns
• Battery-operated radio
• Extra batteries
• Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
• Compass and local maps with shelter locations
• A shut-off wrench and other tools
• Paper and pencil
• Plastic sheeting and tarps
• Elastic cords or rope
• Tarps and plastic sheeting 

Sanitation:

• Portable toilet (5-gallon bucket, heavy trash bags, chlorine bleach)
• Toilet paper and moist towelettes
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Clothing and bedding
• One complete change of clothing and shoes per person
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets and sleeping bags
• Sunglasses
• Kids and Entertainment
• Favorite nonperishable snacks
• Powdered milk
• Stuffed animal or favorite toy
• Blanket and pacifier
• Diapers and wipes
• Card and board games
• Books for all ages

EVACUATION KIT… WHAT TO TAKE

If you are evacuating to a public shelter –

Pack your essentials, but pack light as space is limited. It is possible you may only have a space that measures 5

feet by 2 feet. Remember, a public shelter is not a cruise ship, it is a life boat with the mission to save lives.

Suggested items for a “Go Bag”

• Medications and copies of prescriptions

• Nonperishable food

• Special dietary food that is nonperishable

• Several gallons of drinking water to keep in your vehicle. A minimum of one gallon per person.

• Bedding for a small space

• Infant or child necessities (wipes, diapers, bottles)

• Personal hygiene items

• Change of clothes

• Eyeglasses

• Quiet games, toys or reading materials

• Important papers and valid ID

• Cash and a phone list

If you are evacuating to stay with friends or relatives or in a Host Home

Take your “Go Bag” and ask in advance what kind of space you’ll have for your possessions and vehicles.

Prepare your home to leave

Regardless of where you are evacuating, before you leave your home, be sure to do the following:

• Take your valuables and important papers with you

• Turn off all utilities (water, electricity, gas) at the main switch

• Lock windows and doors

• Fill your gas tank

• Advise friends or relatives of where you are going