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Hurricane safety tips ahead of Gordon landfall

Photo courtesy of TeleSouth Communications Inc.

Gordon will be making landfall along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Tuesday evening. To ensure that residents are prepared for the potential hurricane, here are a few helpful safety tips.

Before the Storm:

  • Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for news about watches, warnings, and information from your local electric power association.
  • Have your hurricane supply kit ready to go.
  • Charge cell phones, laptops, and backup chargers.
  • Be sure there are flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
  • Fill a bathtub with extra water.
  • Plan an evacuation route if necessary.  Contact local authorities for information about evacuation routes and shelters.  Leave early.  Always let someone out of state know what your evacuation plans are.
  • Create an inventory of items in your house.  Video or take pictures of your home.
  • Gather insurance information.
  • If it looks as though water may enter your home, it’s a good idea to open the main breaker in your electrical breaker box in order to cut off the power.
  • Adjust the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food fresh longer in case you lose power.
  • Unplug the electricity and main water valve.
  • If you have a swimming pool, turn off all pumps and filters.
  • Cover windows.
  • Bring outdoor furniture inside.
  • Fasten boats securely.
  • Elevate furniture to minimize damage in case of flooding.
  • Lock your home.

After the Storm:

  • Please use common sense – electricity and water do not mix.
  • Never attempt to plug in or use an electrical appliance or device while standing in water or on a damp surface.
  • If water entered your home, you should have your electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrician as quickly as possible.
  • In cases where electric motors were flooded, they should be thoroughly checked by an electrician or certified repairman before reconnected to a power source.
  • Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed during the time you’re without electric service.
  • Treat all downed power lines as energized.  Beware of downed lines hidden by debris. Report all downed lines immediately.
  • Prevent generator back feed.  Plug appliances or equipment directly into the generator.  Keep the generator in an open area to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.

Below is a list of items that you should consider adding to your Hurricane preparedness kit.

  • Water
  • Food
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Cooking tools
  • Paper plates/plastic utensils
  • Blankets/pillows, etc.
  • Clothing
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Radio
  • Toiletries
  • Cash
  • Keys
  • Important documents
  • Tools
  • Medicine

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