HURRICANE GUIDE - SAFETY AFTER A HURRICANE

Often more people are killed after a storm than were killed during the storm. Most of this is due to hazards that have been created by storm damage and environmental conditions.

• Do not try to return to your home until evacuation areas have been cleared of danger.
• Have your driver's license or utility bill handy for proof of residence.
• Be wary of weak bridges, overpasses, porches and decks, and downed power lines and any pools of water they may be in.
• Beware of broken glass and other sharp objects.
• Pay attention to the smells around you which may warn you of broken gas lines.
• Watch out for poisonous snakes driven from their dens by flooding rains and or saltwater intrusion.
• Do not drink tap water until emergency management officials pronounce it safe.
• TV and Radio will be the best sources of information after the storm but if you cannot "tune in," go to the nearest disaster relief center. Relief centers usually are set up near the hardest hit areas and can give you information and disaster assistance, such as unemployment compensation, food stamps, etc.