Please consider these safety tips when a hurricane warning is issued to protect life and property.

• Make Plans for action:
   
  • The best way to cope with a hurricane is to always be prepared for one. A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified area in 24 hours or less. If a warning is given, stay tuned to radio or TV for official bulletins. Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors. Fill the bathtub with several days supply of drinking water. Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and don’t open it unless necessary. Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks. Check batteries in flashlights, stock up on canned foods and make sure you have plenty of medical supplies. Windows should be secured with either tape, plywood or shutters.
     
• Stay or Leave:
   
  • When a hurricane threatens your area, you will have to make the decision whether to evacuate or ride out the storm in the safety of your home. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should drive carefully to the nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes. Make sure the house is locked and the water and electricity is shut off at main stations. Leave food and water for pets, since many shelters do not allow them. Take small valuables with you, but travel light.
     
• Freezers/Refrigerators:
   
  • First, open the freezer door as little as possible. With a freezer that’s full, foods can stay frozen up to 72 hours. A half-full freezer can still keep food frozen up to 24 hours after the power goes out. Should the power stay off for several days, dry ice can preserve the food in the freezer.
     
• Be cautious:
   
  • During high winds, electric lines can be torn down by limbs and trees. Any dangling line or lines on the ground can be deadly. STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES. Call SLECA’s office to report a downed line, outage or any hazardous situation. SLECA’s crews will be on the job 24 hours a day.