Assess your situation. Check for damage around your house.

Call to report emergencies and other important phone numbers.

If there are downed power lines, do not go near them.

Stay on firm ground, and avoid flooded areas. Flooded areas can have hidden dangers, including charged power lines. Also, moving water can knock you off your feet.

Drive only if you must, and avoid flooded areas.  Leave the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

If you have been evacuated, do not expect to return to your home immediately. Access to damaged areas will be controlled due to rescue and repair operations.

Report any dangling electrical wires and any broken water, gas or sewer lines to your local utility department. Do not report individual interruptions in power, water or phone service.

Beware of snakes, insects or other animals driven to high ground by floodwater.

Enter your home with caution after surveying external damage.

Be careful with fire. Do not strike a match until you are certain there are no severed gas lines.

Operate a portable generator outside the house only.

Water supplies may be contaminated during the hurricane and the Public Health Department may issue a boil water order for the first 72 hours immediately following the hurricane. Use pre-stored water for drinking or cooking until further notice.

Listen to WJBR for instructions about emergency medical, food and housing assistance.

Do not call 911 except for emergencies or life-threatening situations.