Typhoon Safety Precations

Basic Disaster Supplies

Water

You should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking.

To keep water safe, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open it until you need to use it.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. Be sure to include a manual can opener. Here are some basic food items:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)

Staples -- sugar, salt, pepper

High energy foods -- peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix

Vitamins

Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs

Comfort/stress foods -- cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags

First-aid kit

Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first-aid kit should include:

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Scissors

Moistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tongue blades

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medication

Antacid (for stomach upset)

Clothing, bedding, sanitation

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Have a pair of sturdy shoes or work boots

Rain gear

Blankets or sleeping bags

Personal hygiene items

Plastic garbage bags, ties

Plastic bucket with tight lid

Disinfectant

Household chlorine bleach

Tools

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

Portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Cash, change

Nonelectric can opener, utility knife

Matches in a waterproof container

Aluminum foil

Plastic storage containers

Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

Whistle

Plastic sheeting

Map of the area (for locating shelters)

CONDITIONS OF READINESS

Condition of Readiness 4

Damaging winds may arrive on the island within 72 hours

What this means: day-to-day activities are normal

Condition of Readiness 3

Damaging winds may arrive within 48 hours

Review, update your family disaster plan

Buy and replenish supplies for your disaster supply kit

Fill up car(s) with gas

Secure outdoor objects

Prepare household for long term power and water loss (laundry, outdoor cooking, etc.)

Tune into radio and/or television

Condition of Readiness 2

Damaging winds may arrive within 24 hours

Close and secure shutters

Fill containers with water

Move vehicles to a secure and protected area

Review family disaster plan with entire family

Seek emergency shelter if home is not fully concrete or prepared to withstand damaging winds.

Tune into radio and/or television.

Condition of Readiness 1

Damaging winds are occuring or expected within 12 hours

Only mission essential personnel and vehicles are allowed outside

Tune in to weather news

TYPHOON TERMS

Depression: General term for a low-pressure tropical weather system with rotary circulation and accompanying rain.

Tropical disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms in the tropics that maintains its identity for 24 hours or more.

Tropical depression: A tropical cyclone with rotary wind circulation and maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph.

Tropical storm: A tropical cyclone with distinct circulation and wind speeds of 39 to 73 mph.

Typhoon: A tropical cyclone with strong pronounced rotary winds and maximum sustained surface winds of 74 mph.

Supertyphoon: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained wind speed in excess of 149 mph.

BEFORE A STORM

Securing your home

Seepage: Cover beds and other items with plastic to protect from water seeping in around windows and doors.

Surge: Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.

Kit: Stock up on supplies such as candles, batteries, fuel for stoves and lanterns, toiletries and disposable plates and flatware.

Organize: Arrange flashlights, lanterns, candles and lighters in places where adults can easily find them.

Water: Have several gallons of purified water on hand.

Debris: Secure all loose items such as garbage can lids, potted plants, gardening tools and other materials that could become airborne during high winds.

Tin: Tie down tin-covered roof extensions with cables.

Flood: Do not put valuable items and appliances on ground level to protect them from any flooding.

Power: Have the main breaker or fuse box and the utility meters raised above the flood level for your area. This way, if your home floods, water will not damage your utilities.

Buy typhoon insurance: If you have one, make sure it is current.

Securing your car

Fuel: Fill your vehicles' tanks with gas.

Cover: If you do not have a covered garage, move your vehicle away from trees or structures that may topple or collapse.

Insurance: Check with your insurance provider if typhoon damage is covered. If you paid for a premium that covers only liability, it is likely you do not have typhoon insurance coverage.

Securing your business

Contact: Keep emergency phone numbers on-hand. Business owners should designate a contact person who will communicate with other employees, customers and suppliers.

Windows: Install storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces in the home or business. Plywood shutters --1/2-inch marine plywood -- can also offer protection from flying debris.

Insurance: Review insurance policies before the storm hits. Business interruption insurance, which replaces income lost during downtime caused by a covered peril, should be considered.

Records: Keep financial records and other documents in a fire- and weather-proof location. If they're in a computer, make sure you have backup files.

Inventory: Move your business inventory and equipment to a place that will keep it safe from rain and flooding.

DURING A TYPHOON

Stay inside and away from windows. Watch television or listen to radio bulletins. If you are in a low-lying area or do not have a concrete home or storm shutters, consider seeking shelter elsewhere.

Stay inside, even when the eye of the typhoon is passing and all appears to be calm, as heavy winds will soon follow from the opposite direction.

Fill in holes around doors with old towels or blankets; if these gaps are left open, it may lead to flooding.

Turn off and unplug all appliances. Shut off the main gas valve and power switch. Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.

AFTER A STORM

Be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood or severe storm:

Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.

Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house's power supply is disconnected.

If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.

Enter carefully. If the door sticks at the top, it could mean your ceiling is ready to fall. If you force the door open, wait outside the doorway in case of falling debris.

Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Wind, rain, or deep flooding may wet plaster or wallboard. It is very heavy and dangerous if it falls.

Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.

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