FEMA Public Service Announcements

Hurricane: 60s

46. Family Emergency Communications Plan, Pets

ANNCR: Now is the time, before a hurricane strikes, to plan ahead and prepare for your family's safety. Develop a family emergency communications plan for getting back together in case you're separated during a disaster. Have everyone agree to call the same out-of-town friend or relative and leave a message about where you can be found.

You should know that pets are not allowed into emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society in advance for information on protecting your pets. For other important safety information, about what to do and where to go before, during and after a hurricane, visit the FEMA Internet website, at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a-dot-gov, or contact the Red Cross. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

47. Flood Insurance, NFIP Hotline

ANNCR: Hurricanes strike U.S. coastal areas nearly every year with powerful winds and rain. Many people don't know that the severe damage to homes and property caused by hurricane-driven floodwaters is NOT covered by homeowners insurance. To protect yourself and your family from catastrophic financial loss due to flood damage, find out about the National Flood Insurance Program. Ask your local insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program hotline at 1-800-427-4661.

Your area need not be declared a Federal Disaster Area to claim coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, however, there is a thirty-day waiting period before a policy becomes effective. For more information on flood insurance, dial 1-800-427-4661. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

48. Hurricane Watch, E-Kit, Wind Damage Warning

ANNCR: A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within a 24-36 hour period. You may still have time to take precautions. During a hurricane watch, listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports. If there is a hurricane warning, you may be advised to evacuate the area.

Check the contents of your emergency supply kit, and fill plastic water bottles with one gallon of fresh water per person per day. Make sure that there is plenty of fuel in your car. If you are advised to evacuate, you may have to drive up to 50 miles to reach safety.

Hurricanes bring high winds that can damage property. Bring in lawn furniture, toys and garden tools. If you can't bring them indoors, anchor them to a permanent fixture so they don't blow away and cause even more damage. Listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

49. Emergency Kit Preparation, Shelters

ANNCR: Will you be prepared when the next hurricane strikes? Right now, gather items to make a life-saving emergency supply kit. You'll need a waterproof flashlight, a portable, battery-operated radio and lots of extra batteries. A first aid kit is essential, and you'll want a three-day supply of food and water for everyone in the family.

Hurricanes can cause hidden structural damage to your home or property, breaking electric lines, gas and water pipes, Take a few minutes right now to teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water, to help prevent hurricane-related fire and water damage to your home.

For more information, visit the FEMA Internet website at w-w-w-dot-FEMA-dot-gov, or call your local Red Cross. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

50. General Preparedness, Pets

ANNCR: Knowing what to do when a hurricane strikes takes planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you see your family safely through the storm. First, stay aware of changing weather conditions. Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports. While you're waiting for news and weather, check on the condition, freshness and accessibility of your emergency supplies. Be sure you have a flashlight, extra batteries and a first-aid kit. Pets are not allowed into emergency shelters. Contact your local humane society for information on protecting your pets. For more information, visit the FEMA website, at w-w-w-dot-f-e-m-a-dot-gov. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more emergency preparedness information from FEMA.

51. Hurricane Warning info for Houses, Mobile Homes

ANNCR: A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less. You should expect winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and storm surges. Wherever you are when a hurricane warning is issued, avoid elevators and listen constantly to a battery-operated radio or television for official instructions.

If you are at home when you hear a hurricane warning, stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Hurricane winds can toss debris that will shatter even well protected doors and windows.

If you are in a mobile home, check and secure the tiedowns and evacuate by driving inland or to a local emergency shelter immediately. Remember, in a mobile home, lock-up and leave when you hear a hurricane warning. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

52. Hurricane Watch: Preparing to Evacuate

ANNCR: When an area is under a hurricane watch, there is an immediate possibility of high winds and torrential rain. It is sometimes necessary to warn all residents to evacuate before conditions become dangerous. If officials declare that evacuation is necessary, your cooperation is vital to your safety.

To prepare for evacuation, secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve. If you still have telephone service, tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. Lock up your home and leave immediately. Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm protective clothing, blankets and sleeping bags to a designated emergency shelter. Avoid flooded roads and watch for storm-damaged bridges. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.

53. Returning Home: Check the Utilities

ANNCR: If a hurricane forced you to evacuate, return home only after authorities advise that it is safe. Enter your home with caution. Snakes, insects, and other animals may have escaped high waters by going inside. DO NOT turn on anything electric until you have made a thorough check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and immediately leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the Gas Company from a neighbor's home.

Next, look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. DO NOT step in water to do this. Remember that a storm-damaged house may be unstable. Plan ahead to survive the next hurricane, and listen to this station for more information from local authorities and FEMA.