THE MAYOR, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR, AND CITY COUNCIL consider the following information important to the safety of our visitors, our citizens and our City:

Hurricane Watch

When a hurricane watch is announced, it means hurricane conditions are a real possibility and may threaten the area. It means that you must take action to prepare supplies and secure your home. When a hurricane watch is given, a specific area and period of time for danger will be announced. During a hurricane watch, you should:

• Fill your car with gas. Check battery, water and oil.
• Check flashlight and radio batteries. Stay tuned to local radio and television stations for official weather and emergency statements.
• Obtain clean containers for drinking water.
• Put together your survival kit.
• Refill prescription drugs or obtain special medications (e.g., insulin).
• Plan to organize your family.
• Make arrangements for your pets; they will not be allowed in public shelters.

Flood Insurance

Property damage from high water and waves may be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Contact your regular insurance agent for information on rates and coverage.

Your Boat

Boat owners must act early. Relocate and/or secure your craft during a hurricane watch - don’t wait for a hurricane warning.

If you plan to secure your boat at home, the best place for your boat is in your garage. If this is not possible, fill boats with water to weigh them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.

If you leave your boat in the water, secure your craft carefully, allowing line slack for extreme rise and/or fall of tide.

State of Emergency

The E.M. Coordinator will issue a statement defining the nature and magnitude of the emergency or disaster. This E.M. Directive will limit “Private Sector” (personal) vehicular movement within the city. It will be enforced by municipal law enforcement with the potential for summonses and/or arrest for non-compliance.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning is issued when winds of at least 74 miles per hour, high water and storm surge are expected in a specific area within a period of 24 hours. The warning will identify coastal areas where these conditions may occur. Evacuation time depends on the strength, location, and direction of the hurricane’s movement. For this reason, you must be prepared to evacuate even before a hurricane warning is issued - even if the weather does not appear threatening at the time. During a hurricane warning, you should:

• Clean outside areas of loose objects, bicycles, lawn furniture, garbage cans, etc.
• Secure boats. Remember draw bridges will be closed after evacuation orders are issued.
• Protect windows and take down awnings and otherwise secure your property. Put together materials needed to take to shelter.

Property Inventory

A complete inventory of personal property will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for losses. Inventory checklists can be obtained from your insurance agent. Don’t trust your memory. List descriptions and take pictures. Store these and other important papers in waterproof containers or in your safety deposit box.

Survival Kit

If you are staying anywhere other than a Public Shelter, you will need the following:

• Non-perishable food (don’t forget non-electric can opener)
• Water (half-gallon/person/day)
• Eating and cooking utensils
• Personal toilet articles and sanitary needs (diapers, etc.)
• Medications (prescriptions)
• Portable radio and batteries
• Flashlight and batteries
• Bedding (sleeping bag, blankets, pillow)
• Change of clothing
• Portable cooler and ice
• First aid kit

Public Shelter Kit

• Personal toilet articles and sanitary needs (diapers, etc.)
• Medication (prescriptions)
• Bedding (sleeping bag, blankets, pillows)
• Change of clothing

Municipal Siren System

During any major emergency, impending disaster or attack, be knowledgeable of local “siren warnings”:

1. ALERT SIGNAL (STEADY): 3 to 5 minute steady blast. Tune to local television and radio stations for official instructions being broadcast. Evacuation procedures will be announced following this blast signal.

2. ATTACK WARNING SIGNAL: 3 to 5 minute wavering sound. Means an enemy attack against the United States has been detected and protective action should be taken immediately. This signal has no other meaning and will be used for no other purpose.

3. ALERT SIGNAL - VOICE MESSAGE TO FOLLOW (ALTERNATING STEADY)

4. CHIMES - TEST MADE (WED. 12:00 NOON)

Evacuation Order

This is the most important instruction you will receive. During a hurricane watch and hurricane warning, local and state Emergency Management Officials will be analyzing hurricane information to determine when to order an evacuation. The Evacuation Order will be issued by the local elected official and/or the Governor through the local E.M. Coordinator.

An Evacuation Order may be given locally while the sun is shining. This is because your local officials MUST move all vulnerable residents to safety PRIOR to the arrival of high winds or the flooding of critical roadways.

Leave your home immediately when ordered.

When an Evacuation Order is given, it will be issued over local radio and television stations. Police and other emergency officials will be notifying people as well. Remember: all residents of mobile homes and travel trailers must evacuate when an Evacuation Order is given. All people in the area must move as directed by the local officials.

Radio Stations	Television Stations
NOAA Weather 162.40 MHZ WIGB - AM 1020 WMGM - FM 103.7 WMID - FM 102 WTKU - FM 98.3 WZXL - FM 100.7 WFPG - FM 96.9 WPUR - FM 107.3 WAVY - FM 95.1	Comcast - Chan. #2 Gov. Access Chan. WMGM - TV40 NBC WCAU - Chan. 10 CBS WPVI - Chan. 6 ABC 927-4440 1-800-TIP-WCAU (tip) 856-966-6666 (tip)

Anyone with questions concerning Emergency Services may contact the Office of Emergency Management at 609-399-0202, 609-399-9111 or 609-399-6111 (Daily).