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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) has prepared a “Hurricane Checklist” to prepare residents in Northwest North Carolina for the potentially dangerous remnants of Hurricane Katrina.

“Although it is not likely, flooding and landslides can accompany a hurricane after it makes landfall,” said Rep. Foxx. “I encourage my constituents to be prepared, exercise good judgment and have an emergency plan ready. That is why I have prepared the following hurricane checklist so you can protect your family, your property and yourself.”

HURRICANE CHECKLIST

1. Know your risk: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides guides to protecting your property from hurricanes at http://www.fema.gov/fima/how2.shtm#wind. If you don’t have a computer, you can reach FEMA’s disaster help line at 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 for the hearing/speech impaired.

2. Have local officials’ phone numbers handy, such as the Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department. Additionally, have Red Cross information available. They can be found on the internet at www.redcross.org, or you may call the Red Cross Carolina’s Blood Region at (704) 376-1661.

3. Prepare an evacuation plan. Always evacuate immediately if the police or other officials issue a warning. Discuss with your family what do if a hurricane watch or warning is issued and plan safe escape routes. Plan ahead where you would go and take the phone numbers of these places with you. Take a road map in case the weather forces you onto unfamiliar roads. Do not drive over standing water, as floods may have damaged the roads. The Red Cross provides helpful information about flood-related disasters at www.redcross.org/services/disaster/.

4. Prepare a hurricane kit. A first aid kit with necessary medications is essential. Make an emergency contact list and give this list to every family member. Have canned food with an opener, plenty of water, flashlights with batteries, a battery powered radio, raingear, sleeping bags and protective clothing in your hurricane kit.

5. Remove debris from gutters, storm drains, ditches, and culverts cleared before an impending hurricane. Property owners are responsible for clearing ditches to help prevent flooding and wind hazards. If you see that debris or trees are blocking a bridge or culvert, notify your city engineer or other community official, so that they can perform necessary maintenance.

6. Pay attention to National Weather Service and emergency broadcasts. Heed warnings and evacuate the area if hurricanes or related severe weather or flooding are forecast.

7. Keep copies of insurance policies and other important documents in a safe place. This should be a place less likely to be damaged during a hurricane, such as in a waterproof box, a safe-deposit box, or with a friend or relative in another area.

8. If possible, buy National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance. To learn how, contact your insurance agent or call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD, ext. 445.

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