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For current information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/media/

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release: September 5, 2008
Contact: Division of News & Electronic Media, Office of Communication
(404) 639-3286

CDC Offers Checklist for People in Path of Upcoming Hurricanes

Before the storm:

  • If evacuating, pack an emergency supply kit with food, bottled water, prescription medicines, and important documents.
  • If you plan to drive, fill your gas tank as soon as possible.
  • Turn off gas, electricity, and water, and disconnect appliances before leaving.
  • Take steps to ensure your pets’ safety during the storm.
  • Follow designated evacuation routes for your area, and expect heavy traffic.

If you stay home during the storm:

  • Pack an emergency supply kit with necessities such as food, bottled water, and prescription medicines to last from three to five days.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home, and make sure that everyone in your house is able to follow the escape plan.
  • Look for escape routes from upper levels of the house, in case of flooding.
  • Do not go outside, even if the weather seems calm. Wait for local authorities to tell you it is safe to go outside.
  • If your home is flooded or damaged, move to a neighbor's or a local shelter.

After the storm:

  • Do not drive through flooded roads, as cars can be swept away or lose power.
  • NEVER touch a downed power line or anything in contact with one.
  • Turn off electrical power when there are hazards around your home such as standing water, fallen power lines, or gas leaks.
  • Listen to announcements in local media (radio, television or newspaper) to find out if it’s safe to use tap water, and follow instructions regarding water.
  • If you are not sure if water is safe to use, boil water before you use it for anything, including brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, or bathing.
  • Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.
  • Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, instead of candles, to prevent fires.
  • Stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges release dangerous carbon monoxide gas and should always be used outdoors, far away from windows, doors and vents.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Important instructions:

If you would like to ask a question during the call, press *1 on your touchtone phone. Press *2 to withdraw your question. You may queue up at any time. You will hear a tone to indicate your question is pending.

Listen-Only Audio Webcast

This media availability will also available via listen-only audio web cast at www.cdc.gov/media.

Transcript

A transcript of this media availability will be available following the briefing at the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov/media.

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