Cyclone Preparedness

CYCLONE PREPAREDNESS

Before the storm arrive

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items :

1. First aid kit and essential medications.

2. Canned food and can opener.

3. At least three gallons of water per person.

4. Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.

5. Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.

6. Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan

1. Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home, hotel, or a sheltered place.

2. Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.

3. Listen to local radio or TV stations for evacuation  instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Take these items with you when evacuating:

a. Prescription medications and medical supplies;

b. Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows

c. Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight

d. Car keys and maps

e. Documents, including driver’s license, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates,tax records, etc.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

 1. If you are directed by local authorities or through official PDO communication. Be sure to follow their instructions

  2. If you live or work in a temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during cyclones no matter how well fastened to the ground.

During a Cyclone You should:

1. Listen to the radio or TV for information.

2. Secure your home, close shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors

3. Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.

4. Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone,except for serious emergencies.

5. Secure your boat if time permits.

6. Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes  such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

7. STAY OUT OF AND AWAY FROM WADIS.

Cyclones generate enormous amounts of rain in very short times. The only place for the water to go is down the wadis; they will fill quickly, and flow ferociously fast. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

8. Do not go out “sightseeing”If the storm suddenly seems to abate. Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.

9. You will probably lose electrical power. That is almost a given. If this  happens:

                        a. Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting.

                        Never use candles!

                        b. Turn off electrical equipment you were using

                        when the power went out.

                        c. Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer.

                        d. Do not run a generator inside a home.

                        e. Assemble essential supplies, including

                        i. Flashlight

                        ii. Batteries

            iii. Portable radio

                        iv. At least one gallon of water

                        v. A small supply of food.

                        vi. Due to the extreme risk of fire, do not us  candles during a power outage.

If you feel you are in danger:

Go to a safe room (windowlessroom near the centre of the house). If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

1. Stay indoors during the cyclone and away from windows and glass doors.

2. Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.

3. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.

4. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.

After  a Cyclone:

1. Listen to the media for regular updates.

2. Inspect your home for water/wind damagevbefore restoring electrical power.

3. Do not make unnecessary demands on the emergency services.

4. Inspect your vehicles for flood/impact damage; especially the undercarriage/brakes if your vehicle experience high water.

5. BEWARE of displaced animals. Wadi dogs, cats, snakes and many potentially nasty

insects will have had their living areas flood. They may seek refuge in your home, carport or even auto. Be very careful assessing storm damage and look carefully before lifting any storm debris; animals may lurk there.

6. Do not touch wet switches, and beware of fallen power lines, treat them as if they are live

7. Do not drink water that could be contaminated.

8. Stay at home, resist the urge to go sightseeing.

9. Use common sense.

Issued by: PDO Corporate Emergency