Palm Beach County Hurricane Survival Guide

H ome R einforcement  Check metal and wood support columns on patios for rust and wood decay.  Check the anchoring of the air-conditioning compressor to see if it feels loose.  Check tie beam for crumbling concrete and rusted steel rods.

 Lookforcracks inyourexteriorwallsaswellasthefoundation.Cracksarecausedbyshifts inthegroundbelow the house, typically caused by rotting vegetation. Cracks less than one-half inch wide are common in walls and do not mean that the wall is weak. (Only wide cracks indicate a problem.)  Replace old or damaged garage doors with a stronger model.  Replaceoldordamageddoorswithstrongerones.Fordoubled-sidedentrydoors,addaheavy-dutydeadbolt or replace the existing dead bolt with a stronger one.  Anchor storage sheds and other outbuildings to a permanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors.  Keep your property clear of debris and other items that can become wind-borne missiles.  Check for loose rain gutters and moldings.  Check inyour attic for diagonal 2-by-4sbetween thegableendand the roofing trusses.Gable-endbracing in an ‘X’ pattern makes the roof stronger. You should also have truss bracing running the length of the roof. Install it if you don’t have it. S afe R oom If you don’t live in an evacuation zone or a mobile or manufactured home, you should probably stay home if your house is secure, shuttered and can withstand a hurricane. Make sure family members or a neighbor know that you will be there. Gather all supplies you will need early. As part of your family plan, determine a “safe room” in your residence where you can ride out the storm. Rooms without windows such as a bathroom, pantry, laundry room, stairwell, hallway or large interior closet are good choices. Stock the safe room with:

 Food  Water  Flashlights  Battery-operated radio or TV (extra batteries)  Medication  Clothing  Mattress, blankets and pillows  Cell phone (precharged)

 Games or books  Important papers  Baby supplies if needed

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