Storm preparations

Families should be prepared to go at least 96 hours without electricity or water. The American Red Cross suggests that every family keep and emergency disaster kit prepared at all times.

Among the many things to check, install, obtain and do now while the weather is good and stocks are plentiful are the following:

Conduct a photographic (snapshots or video) inventory of your house, out-buildings, cars and personal possessions and place with other important papers, such as wills, insurance policies, banking and medical information, and cash, travelers check and change in a lockable portable waterproof/ fireproof container.

Establish and evacuation plan: Learn the elevation of land relative to storm surge and 25/100 year flood plains; learn safe routes inland; take time now to drive around the area and locate area shelters.

Assess yard items and trim dead wood from trees; call the power company for tree limbs and branches near power lines; check for loose rain gutters and down spouts; caulk areas around windows, doors and chimneys.

If property exposed to likelihood of high winds obtain plywood and set up windows so they can be covered with minimum time and effort when conditions warrant; install tie downs to secure manufactured homes.

Put together a disaster supply kit/closet by collecting the following in one place:

Food and water

• Two gallons of water per person per day for at least four days (one gallon for drinking and one gallon for food preparations and sanitation. Often filled bathtubs are best for sanitation requirements.)

• Canned, ready-to-eat food and juices and non-electric can opener.

• Foods for infants, elderly or people with special food needs.

• Food and water for family pet.

• To minimize need for ice, freeze water into plastic containers in freezers and introduce into refrigerator as necessary. Minimize opening of freezer and refrigerator doors - if doors remain shut refrigerator is better for keeping things cool than an ice chest. Fill gas tank for grill, lay in extra bags of charcoal or propane bottles for camp-stoves. Sterno and even candles can be used to heat water and food with folding camp grills.

First Aid

• Ensure prescription medicines are obtained in sufficient quantity to last through the forecast conditions. Assorted sizes of sterile adhesive bandages, gauze rolls/pads and adhesive tape. Scissors, tweezers and needles. Antiseptic, antibiotic ointments, antihistamine, calamine, petroleum jelly, soap and sun screen. Latex gloves, tongue depressors, moist packaged towels.

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils, plastic garbage bags. Battery operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Plastic drop cloths for temporary roof repair or to prevent water damage to interior of home.

• Tubs, buckets, plastic containers to contain water from leaks. Matches and candles in waterproof containers; hurricane lamp, fuel and wicks; check lanterns for proper operation, fuel and mantles. (Note: Do not use a lantern intended for outside illumination inside your home.

• When using burning candles, oil lamps or lanterns place them on solid base, well away from flammable materials and where children and pets cannot knock them over. Use flammable illumination devices only when adults are present and extinguish all candles before the leaving the house or going to sleep.

• Make sure there is plenty of fresh air entering any room where you have flames burning to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide gas. Keep an operable fire extinguisher nearby). Wrenches and pliers to shut off water or gas; hammer, nails or temporary repairs, learn how to turn off water, gas and electricity at main switches. Leather gloves, shovel, rake and pitchfork to handle yard debris. Chainsaw, ax, or pruning saws for cutting up downed trees and tree limbs, twine. CB or cell phone for two-way communication. Camera and film. Personal insect repellent, bug spray, and/or Citronella candles or mosquito coils. Duct, electrical and masking tape.

Sanitation

• Toilet paper. Personal hygiene and feminine supplies. Plastic bucket with a tight-fitting lid or a portable toilet. Diapers. Bleach and soap. Clothing and Bedding Sturdy shoes or work boots. Rain gear. Blankets and sleeping bags. If moving to shelter ensure special items for babies and elderly are packed along with entertainment items such as games, books, etc.

A hurricane watch

Check radio and television often for news bulletins. Fill car with gas. Check mobile home tie-downs. Moor small craft or move them to a shelter. Stock up on canned goods, medicine. Make sure radio, flashlights, etc. are operable and have extra batteries. Secure lawn furniture, other loose outdoor items. Tape, board, shutter windows. Make sure you have cash because ATMs will not work when power is out.

A hurricane warning

Check radio and television often for news bulletins. Board up garage and porch doors. Move valuables into waterproof containers. Bring pets inside. If you must evacuate, leave food and water, as most shelters will not accept pets. Fill containers with enough water for sanitation and/or drinking for several days. Use the telephones only for emergencies. Stay indoors and away from windows. If evacuating shut off gas, water and electricity at mains stations. Use recommended evacuation routes.

After the Storm

• Return only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Drive carefully, watching for dangling electrical wires and flooding; avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company, police or fire department. Don't go exploring the damage. Report broken or damaged water, sewer and electrical lines.

• Use caution re-entering home. Don't eat food that was opened or damaged in any way by the storm and check refrigerated food for spoilage. Use only the water that was taken prior to evacuation bottled water or water that has been declared safe by public health officials. Check for natural gas leaks.

• Suspected leaks should be dealt with by calling the gas company from a neighbor's house and turning off gas at main valve. Beware of snakes, insects and animals driven to high ground by floodwaters. Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out brides.

• Take pictures of the damage for insurance claim purposes and contact insurance providers to report property damage.

• Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information about disaster assistance.

• To report power outages: Call Progress Energy at 1-800-419-6356; Call Carteret-Craven EMC at 247-3107.