The National Hurricane Center in Miami has announced the start of the Atlantic hurricane season. After devastating the Caribbean as a Category 5 hurricane, Hurricane Dean hit Mexico this morning and weakened to Category 2 status. It appears that this storm will track away from the US Gulf Coast, but this region is at high risk for hurricane-related injuries. The fortunate thing about hurricanes is that, unlike tornadoes and earthquakes, they can be predicted days ahead of landfall. This gives those in potentially affected areas time to prepare and minimize personal injury and property damage.

If you live within an area prone to hurricanes, please check with your local emergency preparedness officials for specific recommendations, but here are some general hurricane safety tips:

• Know where and how to evacuate if you need to; get information from your local emergency officials.
• Establish a safe place for family members to meet if separated. Designate a central person (who is not in the affected area) for everyone to contact about their status.
• Prepare to be self-sufficient for several days. Stock up on emergency supplies, such as canned food, bottled water, and medications in waterproof containers.
• Board up windows and secure loose outdoor items.
• If you have power, monitor conditions on TV or radio.
• Stay indoors until it’s safe to go outside. Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Do not use candles or kerosene lamps for light due to the fire hazard; use flashlights and have extra batteries.
• Shut off your utilities if instructed by emergency officials.
• Don’t walk through moving water more than six inches deep or drive through flooded roads.
• Fill up your gas tank.
• Get extra cash.

Remember, the health consequences from hurricanes are more preventable compared to other natural disasters, so be prepared. Get more information about hurricane safety.

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