When this year's hurricane season began June 1, it was predicted that the season would be an active one. The prognosticators are turning out to be accurate, with Bret wreaking havoc in Texas, Dennis threatening to strike the Southeast and Cindy potentially stirring up trouble across the eastern Atlantic.
With this in mind, The Weather Channel and the American Red Cross are providing the top 10 tips for preparing for disaster and preventing unnecessary damage, whether it be an employee's home or an employer's work site.
In the event a storm threatens your area, here are the 10 important safety tips:
- Determine your insurance eligibility by contacting your local insurance agent.
- Learn how your town handles emergencies; know the evacuation route.
- Locate the American Red Cross shelter nearest you.
- Set up a common meeting place in the event family members becoming separated.
- Develop a disaster preparedness kit with nonperishable food, water, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, tools, cash, insurance documents and other day-to-day necessities.
- Make sure your car has a full tank of gas and store a disaster preparedness kit in your car.
- If evacuation is imminent, lock and board-up windows.
- Stow away small objects that could cause damage in high winds; anchor outdoor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Turn off water, gas and electric utilities when leaving your home.
- Always stay informed on a storm's development if your area becomes threatened.