With Tropical Storms Ana and Bill (a much larger storm) now churning their way across 'Hurricane Alley' in the Tropical Atlantic...and Tropical Storm Claudette nearing the Panhandle, RVCA wants to remind you that NOW is the time to make sure your hurricane preparations are in order.

The below checklist will help ensure you are prepared before, during and after a storm:

BEFORE A STORM

· Develop a disaster plan for yourself and your family

· Identify hazards in your area: hurricanes, storm surge, flooding, wind and tornadoes
· Get materials to secure the doors and windows in your home
· If you live in an evacuation zone, decide in advance where you will go, and plan two evacuation routes
· If evacuating, make arrangements in advance for pets
· If you plan to shelter-in-place, locate a safe room in your home - usually an interior room on the first floor with few windows and doors. Large closets and bathrooms work best
· Pick two places to meet if your family cannot return home
· Select an out-of-state contact for everyone to call if the family is separated
· Post emergency telephone numbers and teach children how and when to call 911
· Check your insurance coverage and make any necessary changes
· Make plans to secure your boat
· Trim trees and branches
· Consider taking disaster preparedness, CPR, and first aid classes

DURING A HURRICANE 'WATCH'
A Hurricane Watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 - 36 hrs
· Monitor local media for hurricane progress reports
· Secure your home's windows and doors
· Bring in unsecured items such as patio furniture, plants, trash cans, bicycles, and toys
· Store tap water to use for cleaning and flushing toilets if necessary
· Store valuables and important documents in waterproof containers
· Check emergency supplies and stock up on any necessary items
· Secure boats

DURING A HURRICANE 'WARNING'
A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 mph or greater) are expected in 24 hours or less
· Continue monitoring local media for special instructions
· Complete preparation activities
· If you evacuate, leave early, take your supplies and pets. If you are ordered to evacuate and do not, you risk being cut off from fire, police, and emergency medical services for an extended time
· Mobile home residents and those with special needs should always evacuate
· If you do not have to evacuate, take family members, pets and supplies into your safe room and remain there until local authorities tell you it is safe to come out
· Do not go outside in the calm of the hurricane eye. The storm is not over. Intense winds will return from the opposite direction
· Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities
· Use battery-powered flashlights. Do not use candles or other open flames as a light sources

IN THE AFTERMATH OF A STORM
· Return home only when local officials tell you it is safe to do so
· Inspect your home. Call your insurance company if you have sustained damage
· Report water main breaks or damage to sewer lines by calling 954-828-8000
· Stay away from all downed power lines and report them to FPL
· Stay away from standing water because there may be live power lines below
· Stay off the streets. Do not drive until local authorities tell you it is safe
· Use the telephones only for emergency purposes
· Never drive through flooded streets, even if there's only six inches of water
· Monitor local media for boil water alerts
· Throw away spoiled food and personal items that have come in contact with floodwaters
· Never use a generator indoors. Get fresh air immediately if you feel dizzy or sick
· Use caution when clearing debris. Wear protective clothing and keep children and pets inside until debris is cleared

Stay Informed! - For updates before, during and after a hurricane:
· VISIT the City website at www.fortlauderdale.gov/hurricane

· VISIT the County website at www.broward.org/hurricane

· CALL the Hurricane Emergency Hotline at 954-828-8888
· WATCH Comcast Cable Channel 78
· LISTEN to radio station 1610 AM