Hurricane Precautions and Safety

FYI: Hurricane Heads-up

With the most devastating series of hurricanes and tropical storms in more than 100 years, 2004 set records. June is considered the beginning of hurricane season, so if you live in hurricane country, or even if you're just visiting, it's not too soon to review your evacuation plan and check your cache of emergency hurricane supplies. If you have neither, get busy! The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that you make a plan, make up an emergency kit and make a point to be fully informed.

For more information from FEMA, go to: www.fema.gov/media/prephurricaneseason.shtm.

Also click here for a "Hurricane Tracking Chart" pdf.

Following are key steps to take at the various stages of a hurricane:

Before a hurricane:

• Stay away from locations that may be swept by high tides or storm waves.
• Store all outdoor items that might blow away.
• Board up or otherwise protect windows.
• Fill clean, closed containers with enough water to last five days.
• Have enough non-perishable food on hand to last five days.
• If medications are required, have a week's supply set aside.
• Keep a working flashlight with plenty of batteries handy.
• Keep a battery-powered radio on, again, with plenty of batteries available.

During a hurricane:

• Stay inside! Do NOT leave except for evacuation or an emergency.
• Don't come out until you're sure the "eye" of the hurricane has passed. After the "eye" passes, the winds will rapidy rise to hurricane force and come again from the opposite direction.

After a hurricane:

• Stay away from disaster areas so you won't hamper rescue work.
• Avoid loose or dangling electrical wires and report them immediately to the local power company or law enforcement office.
• Beware of rising water in streams and rivers even AFTER the heaviest rain has ended.

Health Information - West Nile Virus

What is the West Nile Virus?

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, or a brain infection. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people.

Mosquitoes spread the virus after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals. It is not spread by person-to-person contact and there is no evidence that people can get the virus by handling infected animals.

How can I get it?

People can only become infected with West Nile virus after being bitten by an infected mosquito. There is no evidence that people can get West Nile virus from infected animals or people, or that people can transmit the West Nile virus to other animals, birds, or people.

What are the symptoms?

People with mild infections may experience fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph glands. People with more severe infections may experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, occasional convulsions and paralysis. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

How can I protect myself?

It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you otherwise. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes. In addition to reducing standing water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.