1
BEFORE THE HURRICANE
If you live in a hurricane-prone
area, it is recommended that you
know the emergency plans of the
community and that you have a
plan of action for your family.DURING THE HURRICANE
The important thing is to remain calm
and to stay informed via radio or
television about the path of the hurricane.
Move away from doors and windows. Do
not leave until the authorities announce
the danger from the hurricane has ended.AFTER THE HURRICANE
First verify that everyone in the family is well
and that there are no injuries. Do not touch
loose cables or fallen poles. Call the fire
department or the police in case you need
food, clothing, or immediate medication.HOW TO PREPARE
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
A complete first-aid kit must be
prepared and available. Consult a
pharmacist or your family physician.HOW TO PREPARE
DOCUMENTATION
To be prepared for
evacuation, keep family
documents in good order.Foresight to Prevent Tragedies
First-aid course
You should be prepared
for dealing with the
most common
symptoms and injuries.Inventory
Make a complete
list of belongings
of each person.Personal ID
It is important
for everyone to
have an ID card.Secure all the
doors and
windows to keep
them from
opening.
Store
nonperishable
food and
potable water. Keep valuable
objects and
documents in
a waterproof
container.Use a battery-
powered radio to
tune into local
stations to get
information.Do not touch
wires or damaged
electrical
equipment.When you are on
the move, use
caution whether
on foot or driving.Check the most
fire-prone areas.Help people
who are
injured or
trapped.Return home
only when the
authorities say
that it is safe.Keep documents
confirming your
ownership of
property close at
hand.Do not drink
water unless
you are sure it
is potable.Use the
telephone only
for emergency
calls.Verify that there are
no natural-gas leaks
or damage to the
electrical system.Turn off the main
water valve and
the main gas valve.Follow news reports with
a battery-powered radio.Disconnect all
electrical
devices and shut
off the house
circuit breaker.Administer first aid
when necessary.Keep the
car supplied
with a full
tank of fuel
just in case.Reinforce roof tiles
to keep them from
being loosened.60 METEOROLOGICAL PHENOMENA WWEATHER AND CLIMATE^61
First-aid kit
Check the first-aid
kit and replace any
expired items.2
3
H
urricanes usually lash specific regions of the planet, and the population must become
aware of the disasters that can strike the community. Each family must know which
area of the house is the most secure in case the roof, a door, or a window collapses.
They must also know when it is time to go to a shelter or if it is better to remain at home.
Another important precaution is to organize and store all family documents and real-estaterecords in a water- and fireproof strongbox.