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HurricanescanhitanywhereupanddowntheEastCoast,aswelearnedfromHurricanesIreneandSandy.

HurricaneseasonlastsfromJunethroughNovember,withthemostactivityfromAugustthroughSeptember.Duringhurricanes,theweathermaybecomeverybadandsometimespeoplemayneedtoleavetheirhomesbecauseofflooding,highwinds,andpoweroutages.

Are you and your family prepared for hurricanes?

Ifyouhadtostayinyourhomeforafewdaysduringsevereweather,wouldyouhavewhatyouneedtostaysafe,comfortable,andhealthy?

Ifyouhadtosuddenlyleaveyourhome,withouttimetopackanything,wouldyoubereadytogo?

Thetimetostartplanningforanemergencyisnotinthemiddleofone.Inanemergency,you’reeitherREADYoryou’renot.

TheOfficeofEmergencyManagementhasprovidedthisguidetohelpyouknowwhattodobefore,during,andafterahurricanehits.

FormoreinformationonhowtogetREADY,visitphila.gov/ready.

Be Ready. Make a Plan. Get what you need. Check out our Severe Weather Guide, on our website, for more information about flooding, lightning safety, and tornadoes.

www.phila.gov/ready Follow us on Twitter: @PhilaOEM

Hurricane Safety Guide

Table of Contents

BeReadyforHurricaneSeason......page2WhatGoesinYourGoBag..............page3Weather Words...........................pages 4-5AfteraHurricane:CleaningUp...pages5-6UsingPortableGeneratorsSafely..page7HowtoStayInformed....................page8

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia page2/HurricaneSafety

Be Ready for Hurricane Season

Before a Hurricane: Things to do now. • Knowyourarea’sfloodrisk.Toestimateyourfloodriskand

floodinsurancepremium,visitwww.floodsmart.gov,orcall1-800-427-2419.

• Thinkaboutgettingfloodinsurance.Lossduetofloodsisnotcoveredunderahomeowner’spolicy.FloodinsuranceisofferedthroughtheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram(NFIP).

• Ifyouliveinanareathatfloods,keepmaterialssuchassandbags,plywood,plasticsheeting,andlumberonhandtohelpprotectyourhome.

• Ifpossible,createbarrierstopreventanyfloodwaterfromenteringyourhomeorbuilding.Sealbasementwallswithwaterproofcompound.

• Elevatethefurnace,waterheater,andelectricpanelinyourhomeifyouliveinanareathathasahighfloodrisk.Removeotheritemsfromthefloor.Movethemtohigherfloorlevelsorstorethemhighonshelves.

• FilloutaFamilyEmergencyPlan,whichwillcontainimportantcontactsforyouandyourfamilyintheeventofanyemergency.Youcandownloadaplanfromourwebsite.

• Learnthesafestroutefromyourhomeorplaceofbusinesstosafe,highgroundincaseyouhavetoevacuate.ThisshouldbepartofyourFamilyEmergencyPlan.

• PrepareaGoBagwithemergencysuppliesthatyoucangrabincaseyouneedtoleaveyourhomeinahurry.Ideally,youshouldleaveyourhomebeforethehurricanearrivesinPhiladelphia,ifyourpropertyisinalow-lyingareaorhasahistoryofflooding.

• Makealistofpersonalproperty,includingfurnishings,clothing,andvaluables.

Hurricanes can cause flooding and bring strong winds which can cause property damage, fallen trees, and downed power lines with possible power outages. Make sure you and your family are ready to deal with with these conditions. If you live in an area that has a history of flooding or has frequent power outages, you should be prepared to leave your home before the hurricanes arrives in Philadelphia. That way, you and your family will be safe rather than trying to travel during the height of the storm.

Decide where you will go.Will you be more comfortable staying with family or friends? Or, will you need to go to an emergency evacuation shelter if they are open?

If you go to an evacuation shelter, make sure you stay informed so you know where the shelters will be, how you can get there, and when the shelters will open. Whether you will stay with family or friends, or go to a emergency evacuation shelter, plan to leave before the storm arrives. There are some things you should do before hurricane season. There are other things you will need to do when there is danger of a hurricane hitting.

Before a Hurricane: Things to do when a hurricane is coming.

• Turnoffallutilitiesatthemainpowerswitchandclosethemaingasvalveincaseyouneedtoleave.Donottouchanyelectricalequipmentunlessitisinadryarea,oryouarestandingonapieceofdrywoodwhilewearingrubber-soledshoesorbootsandrubbergloves.

• Fillbathtubs,sinks,andjugswithcleanwaterincaseregularsuppliesarenotsafetouseordrink.

• Boardupwindowsorprotectthemwithstorm shutters or tape in ordertopreventflyingglass.

• Bringoutdoorfurniture,garbagecans,andother loose items inside.

page2/HurricaneSafety Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia page3/HurricaneSafety

What Goes in Your Go Bag?

• Afirst-aidkit.

• Sturdy,comfortableshoesorboots,lightweightraingearsuchasaponcho,andwetandcoldweathergloves.

• AMylarorspacethermalblanket.Theyareverylightweight,touch,anddurableblankets.Theyretainbodyheat,whichwillpreventhypothermiaandtraumashock.

• Bottledwaterandready-to-eatnon-perishablefoodssuchasgranolaorenergybars.

• Aworkingflashlightandextrabatteries.

• Abattery-operatedAM/FMradioandextrabatteries.

• Asmall,regionalmap.

• A notepad and pen.

• Cash,especiallyinsmallbillssuchas$1s,$5s,and$10s.

• Extrasetofcarandhousekeys.

Thisbagshouldincludesuppliesthatyou’llneedincaseyouneedtoleave.Thisbagshouldbeeasytocarryandshouldbethesizeofabackpackorasmallsuitcasewithwheels.KeepyourGoBaginaplacewhereyoucangettoiteasilyincaseyouneedtoleaveinahurry.YoucanputtogetheryourownGoBagorbuyanemergencysupplykitonlineoratmanylocalstores.

• Copiesofyourimportantdocumentssuchasinsurancecards,photoIDs/licenses,birthcertificates,deeds,proofofaddress,andyourcompletedFamilyEmergencyPlan.Keeptheseinawaterproofandportablecontainer.

• Medication—besuretorefillmedicationsbeforetheyexpire.Keepalistofthemedicationseachmemberofyourhouseholdtakes,whytheytakethem,andtheirdosages.Alsokeepcopiesofallprescriptionsandcontactinformationofyourdoctorsandpharmacists.

• Personalcareitems:handsanitizer,feminineproducts,toothbrushandtoothpaste,toiletpaper,and wipes.

• Contactandmeetingplaceinformationforyourfamilyandmembersofyoursupportnetwork.

• Childcaresuppliesorotherspecialcareitems.

Items in your Go Bag should include:

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia

Weather Words

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Tropical Cyclones: Tropical Depression, Tropical Storm, HurricaneAtropicalcycloneisageneraltermforlargethunderstorms rotating around an area of low-pressure,formingoverwarmtropicalorsub-tropicaloceanwater.Thesearecalled:

• Tropical Depression – when maximum sustained surfacewindsareupto38mph(33knots).

• Tropical Storm-anorganizedsystemofstrongthunderstormswithadefinedcirculationandmaximumsustainedwindsof39to73mph(34-63knots).

• Hurricane–whensustainedwindsinatropicalcycloneequalorexceedsustained74mph(64knots)orgreater.

Other Severe Weather Words• Eye –centerofahurricanewithlightwindsand

partlycloudytoclearskies.Theeyeisusuallyaround20milesindiameter,butcanrangebetween5and60miles.

• Eye Wall -locationwithinahurricanewiththemost damaging winds and intense rainfall.

• Severe Thunderstorm - a thunderstorm with winds58mphorfasterorhailstonesthree-quartersofaninchorlargerindiameter.

• Tornadoes-violentrotatingcolumnsofairthattouchtheground;largeseverethunderstormsandhurricanescanproducetornadoes.Theycanhavewindsestimatedfrom100to300mph.

• Storm Surge-abnormalriseofwatercausedbyastorm,overandabovethepredictedastronomicaltide.Stormsurgeiscausedprimarilybythestrongwindsinahurricaneortropicalstorm.

• Storm Tide - the rise in water level during a storm due to the storm surge and the astronomicaltide.A15ft.stormsurgeontopofahightidethatis2ft.abovemeansealevelproducesa17ft.stormtide.

• Inland Extent Storm Surge–thesurgecanmakeitswaywellinlandfromthecoastline.DuringHurricaneIke,thesurgemovedinlandnearly30milesinsomelocationsinsoutheasternTexasandsouthwesternLouisiana.AlllocationsalongtheU.S.EastandGulfcoastsarevulnerabletostorm surge.

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Hurricane Scale• Category I -74-95mphwindswith4-5ft.stormsurgeand

minimal damage

• Category II -96-110mphwindswith6-8ft.stormsurgeandmoderate damage

• Category III-111-130mphwindswith9-12ft.stormsurgeandmajordamage

• Category IV-131-155mphwindswith13-18ft.stormsurgeandsevere damage

• Category V -155+mphwindswith18+ft.stormsurgeandcatastrophicdamage

What’s the difference between Warnings and Watches?A Warningrequiresimmediateactionandshouldbetakenseriously.Itmeansthatsevereweatherisimminentinyourareaorisalreadyoccurring,basedoneitherhumanobservationordetectedbyDopplerradar.

A Watch means that the potential exists for the development ofsevereweather.WhilenoimmediateactionforthepublicisrequiredforaWATCH,youshouldkeepuptodateonthecurrentweathersituationandbepreparedtoseekshelterifnecessary.

Warnings:ListencloselytoinstructionsfromlocalofficialsonTV,radio,cellphones,forinstructionsfromlocalofficials.Evacuateimmediatelyif told to do so.

•Hurricane Warning: Take Action! Issuedtoalertpeoplewhenhurricaneconditionswithsustainedwindsof74mphorgreaterareexpected.Issued36hoursbeforetropicalstorm-forcewindsareexpected.Warningsareissuedtogiveyoutimetocompleteyourpreparations.

•Tropical Storm Warning: Take Action! Issuedtoalertpeoplethattropicalstormconditionswithsustainedwindsof39to73mphareexpectedwithinyourareawithin36hours.

•Extreme Wind Warning: Take Action Now! Issuedtoalertpeoplewhenextremesustainedwindsofamajorhurricane,115mphorgreater,areexpectedtobeginwithinanhour.Takeimmediateshelterintheinteriorsectionofawell-builtstructure.

•Tornado Warning: Take Action Now!Issuedtoalertpeoplewhenatornadohasactuallybeensightedorhasbeenpickeduponradarinthearea.Takeshelterimmediatelyinasafesturdystructure.

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia

After a Hurricane: Cleaning Up

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Fallen Trees and Downed Wires

Fallentreesnotonlydamagecars,roofs,andotherstructures–theycanalsotakedownpowerlines.

NEVERgonearadownedpowerline,evenifthepowerisoffinyour home.

PECOsays:Alwaysassumepowerlinesareenergized.Theseincludepowerlinesonutilitypolesaswellasthoseenteringyourhomeorbuildings.Alwayskeepyourself,yourequipment,andanythingyoucarryatleast10feetfrompowerlines.Eventhoughyoumaynoticeacoveringonaline,NEVERassumeitissafetotouch.StayAway!

Keepyourselfandothersawayfromanyfallenpowerlines.Youneverknowwhentheymightbeenergized.CallPECOrightawayandreportthelocationofthedownedwires.Theiremergencynumberis:1-800-841-4141.

If a line falls on your car, stay in your car.Ifyoumustgetoutofthecar,jumpclear,donottouchanypartofyourcarandthegroundatthesametimeandstayclearofthefallenline.

Formoreinformation,pleasevisittheirwebsiteat:https://www.peco.com/SafetyandEducation/PowerlineSafety/Pages/default.aspx

Watches:ListencloselytoinstructionsfromlocalofficialsonTV,radio,cellphones or other computersandwebsitesforinstructionsfromlocalofficials.Evacuateiftoldtodo so.

•Hurricane Watch: Be Prepared! Issuedtoalertpeoplethathurricaneconditionswithsustainedwindsof74mphorgreaterarepossible.Becauseitmaynotbesafetoprepareforahurricaneoncewindsreachtropicalstormforce,hurricanewatchesareissued48hoursbeforetropicalstorm-forcewindsareexpected.

•Tropical Storm Watch: Be Prepared! Issuedtoalertpeoplethattropicalstormconditionswithsustainedwindsof39to73mpharepossiblewithin48hours.

• Tornado Watch: Be Prepared!Issuedtoalertpeopletothepossibilityofatornadodevelopinginthearea.Atthispoint,atornadohasnotbeenseenbuttheconditionsareveryfavorablefortornadostooccuratanymoment.

What to Watch for during a Tornado Watch:• Darkgreenishororange-grayskies• Largehail• Large,dark,low-lying,rotatingorfunnel-

shapedclouds• A loud roar that is similar to a freight train

Weather Words

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Prepare for Hurricanes with a Mobile AppBereadywiththeHurricaneAppbytheAmericanRedCross.Checkoutwhatisgoingoninyourareaduringthestorm.Makesureyour family and home are ready. Find help andletothersknowyouaresafeevenifthepower is out – it is very important to do this if youliveinanareawhereahurricanemayhit,or if you have loved ones who do.

To download the app to your android or iPhonevisit:http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/hurricane-app.

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia

After A Hurricane: Cleaning Up (continued)

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If You Have Flood Damage

• Beforegoingintoabuilding,checktoseeifthebuilding’sstructurehasanydamages.Makesureitisnotindangerofcollapsing.Turnoffanyoutsidegaslinesatthemeterortank,toletthebuildingairoutforseveralminutestoremovefoulodorsorescapinggas.

• Turnofftheelectricityinallfloodedrooms.Watchforelectricalshortsorlivewiresbeforeturningoffthemainpowerswitch.Donotturnonanylightsorappliancesuntilanelectricianhascheckedthesystemforshortcircuits.

• Coverbrokenwindowsandholesintherooforwalls to prevent further weather damage.

• Takepicturesofalldamageandfloodimpacts.Keepreceiptsforallrepairsifyouintendtoapplyfordisasterassistanceortomakeaninsuranceclaim.

Clean Up Safely

ThePhiladelphiaDepartmentofPublicHealthoffersthesetipstohelpyouandyourfamilystaysafewhencleaningupafteraflood:• Removeallwaterbymopping,pumping,wet

vacuuming,orclearingdrains.

• Cleanandthoroughlydryallwetlightfixtures.Don’tturntheelectricityonuntiltheyaredry!

Throw Out

• Allceilingtiles,paperproducts,baseboards,andinsulationthatweredamagedbywater.

• Alldrywalluptofourfeetabovethefloodwaterline.

• Furniturethathasabsorbedwatersuchasmattresses,sofas,andupholsteredchairs.

• Medicinesandfoodthattouchedfloodwater.

• Allperishablefoodsthathavenotbeenrefrigerated for more than six hours.

• Anyfrozenfoodsthathavethawed.

Make Your Own Disinfectant

Ingredients:• 1/4cupofbleach

• 1 gallon of water

Instructions:• Pourbleachintowater.

• Mixthoroughly.

• Diparagintothedisinfectantandwipedirtyitems.

Wet Vacuum, Shampoo and Air Dry:•Carpets

Wipe Twice With a Disinfectant, Then Air Dry:• Wood and metal studs

• Openwindowsanddoorswhilecleaning.Keepthemopenforatleast24hoursaftercleantohelpsurfacesdrymorequicklyandtopreventmold.Ifyoucan,usefansordehumidifierstohelpdrythings.

Wash with Soap and Water, Wipe with a Disinfectant, and Dry:• Furniture,suchas

woodenchairsandcabinets,thatdoesn’tabsorbwater.

• Allcontaminatedfloors,counters,andothersurfaces.

• Allcookingandeatingutensils that were touchedorsplashedbyfloodwater.

• Foamrubberitems.

Wipe with a Disinfectant or Wash in a Dishwasher in Hot Water:• Children’stoys-Don’t

letchildrenplaywithtoys until they have beencleanedanddisinfected!

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphiapage6/HurricaneSafety page7/HurricaneSafety

Using Portable Generators Safely

Safety First: Know Your Generator

• Alwaysreadthemanualthatcomeswithyourgenerator.Itshouldincludehowtousethegeneratorproperly,whatgaugeelectricalcordstouse,andothersafetyinstructions.

• Scheduleyourgeneratorforroutinemaintenanceaslistedinthemanual.Thiswillhelpyourgeneratoroperateatitsbestandensureyour safety.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Carbonmonoxidepoisoningcanoccurifyouuseageneratorthewrongway.Carbonmonoxideisanodorless,toxicgas.Ifyoudonotventilateyourhomeproperlywhenusingagenerator,carbonmonoxidewillbuildupinyourhome.

• NEVERplaceageneratorindoors.• Keepthegeneratorawayfromwindows,doors,andvents.• Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, nausea, and

tiredness. If you or your family members have any of these symptoms, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

• Makesureyouinstallacarbonmonoxidedetectorinyourhome.• Checkthedetector’sbatteriesonceamonthtomakesuretheyarefresh.• Also,testyourdetectoronceamonthtomakesureitisworkingproperly.

Injuries and Fatalities Due to Shock, Electrocution, and Fire

• Shocksandelectrocutionfromgeneratorsoccurfromimproperuseofpoweroraccidentalenergizingofotherelectricalsystems.

• NEVERattachageneratordirectlytotheelectricalsystemofahome,office,ortrailerWITHOUTaPowerTransferSwitch.Hireaprofessionalelectricianwhocaninstalltheswitchproperly.

• HookingupageneratorwithoutaPowerTransferSwitchcancausea“backfeed”insideyourhomeandinutilitylinesoutsideyourresidence.Ifa“backfeed”occurs,itcaninjureorkillyou,yourneighbororutilityworkersworkingtorestorepower.

• Donotuseportablegeneratorsthathavedamagedorfrayedfuellinesorelectricallines.• Alwaysplugelectricalappliancesdirectlyintothegeneratorusingcordssuppliedbyor

recommendedbythemanufacturer.Useheavy-dutyextensioncordsthatarethree-pronggroundedcords.Makesurethecordsdonothaveanydamagebeforeyouusethem.

• Keepthegeneratordry.Operateitunderacanopy.Makesureitisondry,flatlandwherewatercannotpool.

• Firescanoccurifyourefuelyourgeneratorimproperlyorifyoustorefuelimproperly.• Beforerefueling,shutdownthegenerator.Allowittocool.Ifyouspillgasolineonhotengine

parts,itcouldignite.• NEVERstorefuelindoors.Storefuelinthepropercontainers.Storethecontainersawayfrom

flameproducingdevices,includingthegenerator,thatcauseheat.

Duringlongpoweroutages,youmaywanttouseaportablegeneratortopowersomeofyourappliancesandelectronics.However,itisimportanttouseportablegeneratorssafely.Ifyouuseageneratorthewrongway,youcouldcausedangerousanddeadlyconditions.TheOccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministrationandtheConsumerProductSafetyCommissionrecommendthefollowingtipswhenusingportablegenerators:

Office of Emergency Management, City of Philadelphia page8/HurricaneSafety

How to Stay Informed

Herearesomeadditionalresourcestoconsiderwhenpreparingforsevereweatherconditions,includinghurricanes:

Philadelphia Office of Emergency ManagementFollowtheOfficeofEmergencyManagementonsocialmedia–@PhilaOEMonTwitter,Facebook,Google+,Blogger,LinkedInanditsYouTubechannel.

Tolearnhowtoprepareforanemergency:Website:www.phila.gov/readyEmailusat:oem@phila.govOtherresources:Philly3-1-1,Channel64-Philadelphia’sGovernmentAccessstation.

ReadyPhiladelphiaSignupforemergencytextandemailalertsfromtheOfficeofEmergencyManagementthroughReadyPhiladelphia.

Inadditiontoemergencyalerts,youcansignupforweatheralerts,alertsfromthePhiladelphiaPrisonsinNortheastPhiladelphia,andthePESrefineryinSouthwest Philadelphia.

Signupatwww.phila.gov/ready.Then,followthesignupinstructionstochoosethealertsthatyouwanttoreceive.

Philly311TherearelotsofwaystoconnectwithPhilly311:

• InPhiladelphia,dial3-1-1.

• ForcallersoutsidePhiladelphiaorforthosewithVOiP(VoiceoverInternetProtocol),dial215-686-8686.

• DownloadthePhilly311freemobileappfromtheappstoreviayoursmartdevice(phone,tablet,etc.).

• AskaquestionorsubmitarequestusingFacebookorTwitter@Philly311.

• SendyourinquiryorrequestfromyouremailtoPhilly311@phila.gov.

Other Sources:

Local News StationsGetthelatestweatherupdates,roadconditions,schoolclosings,andthestatusofcityagenciesandcourtclosingsfromlocalradio and TV news stations.

Philadelphia Streets Department Call:215-686-5560Website:philadelphiastreets.com

Philadelphia Water Toreportwatermainbreakandcloggeddrains:Call:215-685-6300Website:phillywatersheds.org

PECO CustomerService:1-800-494-4000EmergencyHotline:1-800-841-4141

PennDOT ForroadconditionsonPennsylvania interstate highways:TollFree:1-888-783-6783OutofState:1-717-783-5186Website:www.dot.state.pa.us

PGW ContactPGWtoreportgasleaksandemergencies,24hoursaday.Ifyousmellgas or have an unsafe condition,immediatelycall:215-235-1212.

CustomerService-Billing,GeneralInformation,andSpecialPrograms:Call:215-235-1000Website:www.pgworks.com

SEPTABus,subway,trolley,regionalrail,andCCTConnecttraveladvisories:Website:www.septa.org

National Weather Service Website:www.weather.gov

Project HomeIfyouseeahomelessperson who may need assistance,callProjectHomeOutreachHotlineat215-232-1984.Duringthecall,bepreparedtoprovidetheaddress,locationanddescriptionofthepersoninneed.