Hurricane Food Water Drowning Safety Preparations

florida-hurricane-map.gif (5166 bytes)


Heatstroke Chemicals Pets and Animals  Hurricane Safety Tips

florida-hurricane-info.gif (6949 bytes)

Back to Florida Hurricane Main Page
 

Hurricane Preparations Safety - Part Two

Heatstroke - The rain and wind of a hurricane may be followed by days of hot and humid weather. It can be an almost unbearable adversary if you do not take some steps to try and keep yourself cool. Protect yourself from heat exhaustion and heatstroke, here's what you can do to stay cool while rebuilding under the blazing sun. Wear loose, light colored clothing and a hat. Dampen yourself and your clothes as the water evaporates, your skin will cool. Drink plenty of liquids and eat smaller, lighter meals.
Avoid alcoholic drinks. They will raise your body temperature and tend to dehydrate you. Always wear a strong sunscreen.

Pets and Animals - Wild or stray domestic animals can pose a danger during or after the passage of a hurricane. Remember most animals are disoriented and displaced as well. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities. If any animal bites you, seek immediate medical attention. If a snake bites you, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom can be administered. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck the venom out. Certain animals may carry rabies. Although the virus is rare, care should be taken to avoid contact with stray animals and rodents. Health departments can provide information on the types of animals that carry rabies in your area. Rats may also be a problem during and after a hurricane. Take care to secure all food supplies, also remove any animal carcasses in the vicinity by contacting your local animal control authorities.

Chemical Hazards - Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter in the aftermath of a storm, especially if the hurricane is accompanied by flooding. Floodwaters and high winds may have moved or buried hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals. Contact your local fire department about inspecting and removing hazardous chemical containers. Avoid inhaling any chemical vapors. Never "sniff" any container to see if you can identify the contents, one sniff of some chemicals and kill you grave yard dead. If any propane tanks (whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, the fire department, police, or your State Fire Marshal's office should be contacted immediately.

Car batteries contain sulfuric acid, which is very caustic. Removal of automotive batteries from your property can be accomplished safely, but they should be removed with extreme caution. It is best to use "chemical" gloves and other safety equipment. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery. Use baking soda to neutralize any acid spillage.

Tips after a Hurricane Do not examine your home for damage with matches, candles, or other other "flame based" lighting. Use flashlights. Avoid downed power lines. If you stored water in open containers such s bathtubs, do not drink without purifying first.

 


PREPARATIONS - HOME SAFETY Food, Water, Pets, Drowning etc.
Hurricane Evacuation Check List
Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 1
Hurricane Preparations Safety Pt 2
Drinking Water Hurricane Pollution
How to Choose a Generator
Protect From Flying Debris Wind Damage
Rebuilding Homes Hurricane Damage
Gulf Loop Florida Map

Florida Hurricane Home Insurance
Biggest Waves Hurricane Ivan

Back to Florida Hurricane Main Page

HURRICANE EVACUATION SAFETY TIPS
FLORIDA HURRICANE INFO