By Staff
With Bonnie and Charley stirring in and around the Gulf this week, it's a good time to remember what precautions are necessary in the event of a hurricane making landfall near Brewton.
The National Center for Environmental Health urges that the following actions be taken within 24 to 36 hours of a storm's landfall: fill your automobile gas tank; fill clean water containers, and listen to local radio or television stations for emergency updates; in the case of an evacuation, take essential items such as clothes, bedding, food, water, medicine, important documents and cash. Also, secure items outside the home that could cause damage in high winds.
Make a checklist of items to gather in preparation for severe weather, including five gallons of water per person, a five-day supply of food, battery-powered radio, flashlights, candles, matches, first-aid kit, extra blankets and cash.
During a storm, stay inside and listen to the radio or television for weather updates. Do not go outside -- even if the storm appears to have subsided -- until authorities announce the danger has passed. Avoid windows and doors, staying in an interior bathroom or the basement. If power fails, eat perishable foods first.
Ultimately, the keys to getting through a hurricane safely are having the proper supplies prior to the storm, relying on the media for updates and staying in a safe place until the danger has passed.
Even if Bonnie or Charley come our way, there's still time to get ready.