CDC Media Advisory
CDC Offers Checklist for People in Path of Upcoming Hurricanes
For Immediate Release: September 5, 2008
Contact: CDC Division of Media Relations (404)639-3286
Before the storm:
- If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled water, prescription medicines, and important documents.
- If you plan to drive, fill your gas tank as soon as possible.
- Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances before leaving.
- Take steps to ensure your pets’ safety during the storm.
- Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect heavy traffic.
If you stay home during the storm:
- Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to five days.
- Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan.
- Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case of flooding.
- Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
- If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor′s or a local shelter.
After the storm:
- Do not drive through flooded roads, as cars can be swept away or lose power.
- NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
- Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks.
- Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or newspaper) to find out if it’s safe to use tap water, and follow instructions regarding water.
- If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil water before you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, or bathing.
- Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
- Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of candles, to prevent fires.
- Stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges release dangerous carbon monoxide gas and should always be used outdoors, far away from windows, doors and vents.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
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- Page last reviewed: September 5, 2008
- Page last updated: September 5, 2008
- Content source: Office of Enterprise Communication
- Notice: Links to non-governmental sites do not necessarily represent the views of the CDC.
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