ACT NOW TO BE PREPARED
Develop a family plan for survival and property protection.
Make arrangements now for elderly and others with special needs such as those on life support.
Secure your boat before a hurricane warning is issued, check all cleats, ropes, chocks, and winches for strength. Make sure batteries for bilge pumps are fresh. Ensure lines are high enough on pilings to allow for extreme ebb and flow during the storm surge.
Inventory personal property; safely secure all records and valuable documents in a watertight place.
Plan what you will do with your pet.
Have emergency cash or travelers checks saved.
If your job requires you to work during a storm, make sure now that at least one adult will be with the children, elderly or those with special needs.
Put together a family hurricane evacuation kit.
PREPARE FOR HIGH WINDS
Install Hurricane Shutters or precut 3/4" marine plywood for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes so that you can put it up quickly. There are also new clear films that you can have installed over your glass that will protect it. This could also lower your insurance rates.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically remove branches so the wind can blow through. Remove loose items from your yard.
WHEN A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED
Stay informed by calling the Freeport Emergency Management Hotline at 377-2400 or listening to the Village of Freeport's Emergency Broadcast Radio Station at 1690 on the AM dial.
Listen for weather updates from Freeport’s Weather and Emergency Notification RADIO STATION 1690 AM, NOAA Weather radio, local radio (WGBB, WHLI, WKJY) and local TV stations.
Re-check all emergency supplies and equipment.
Clear your yard of all loose objects and secure your boat.
Store drinking water in clean containers.
Shutter or board all windows.
If a family member is on life support please make sure you inform the Freeport Electric Department.
Plan a flood-free evacuation route and know where to go for shelter.
If ordered to evacuate - LEAVE IMMEDIATELY! Take your HURRICANE EVACUATION KIT. Let your friends and family know where you are going. Turn off water, gas, and electricity before leaving.
NO SMOKING, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, WEAPONS OR PETS ARE ALLOWED IN PUBLIC SHELTERS
DURING THE STORM
Keep updated of the storm’s status by listening to advisory reports on radio (AM 1690) or TV
Stay away from windows or any glass-covered openings during storm and stay on the lowest floor you can.
AFTER THE STORM
Stay away from disaster areas until Freeport officials have issued an all clear. Drive only when and where necessary - do not sightsee!
Keep your identification handy - you may be asked to provide proof of residence.
Avoid all downed power lines.
Do not light matches or use candles inside until gas lines have been inspected by Keyspan.
After flooding, do not attempt to turn on your power at the breaker. Call an electrician for assistance.
Before you begin cleaning the area, take photos and video footage of the damage to your home and property. Keep receipts for repairs - you will need these for insurance purposes.
Make sure you have all required building permits before attempting any repairs and hire only licensed contractors.
If you have any questions call the Freeport Office of Emergency Management at 377-2188.
TERMS TO KNOW
Tropical Storm WATCH
Wind speeds of 39-73mph or higher expected within 36 hours
Tropical Storm WARNING
Wind speeds of 39-73mph or higher expected within 24 hours
Hurricane WATCH
Wind speeds of 74mph or higher expected within 36 hours
Hurricane WARNING
Wind speeds of 74mph or higher expected within 24 hours
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