If you weren't here for Hurricane Isabel, take our word for it -- we are very low and tropical storms will bring flooding. If the power goes out so will your well pump and you won't have running water.

Think now about these things:

• Where could you put your car to have it on higher ground? A city garage? A friends' house?
• Have a supply of bottled drinking water on hand and a supply of water to flush toilets.
• Have flashlights and lots of batteries on hand. Candles can be very dangerous and if the weather gets really bad, fire department response times may be slowed.
• Get a can of spray paint. If there is a lot off damage, it's a good idea to paint your address on the street in front of your house with spray paint. This will be useful if street signs go down and response vehicles need to find you.
  

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Preparing yourself and your property against hurricanes, storms or possible flooding can be an awesome task when you consider the dozens of large and small details you must handle, but you can do it if you have a plan. Here are things to consider when drafting your plan. It is better to be safe and over-prepare.

Specifically for Oyster Harbor, consider the following:

• Move vehicles to high ground; cars on Fishing Creek, Harbor, Creek and Shore have been destroyed in previous storms, not from wind, but from flooding.
• Get fuel NOW for your cars and generators.
• As we are all on wells, which are dependent on electricity, many of us might be without water. Hint: Fill your bathtubs to refill your toilets if you don't have a generator.
• Secure boats, furniture, trailers, etc., in your yards. There were small boats found all over the bay after Isabel. If your house is at a low level, it could flood. Be prepared for that -- at a minimum move valuables to the second floor or on top of tables or cabinets.
• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.

Boats:

• Double-line your boats in docks. Make the second set of lines looser in case of rising water and in case the first set breaks. Double up your boats at anchor as well.
• If you leave your sails on, wrap lines around the covers. If one edge opens up, while beating itself, it will run your canvas and sails.
• Remove dodgers and biminis.
• One boat breaking loose can cause the destruction of all the boats on the dock. Remind or secure your neighbors' boats (with their permission).

Plan an evacuation route, just in case.

• Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.

Prepare a storm kit that includes the following items:

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First-aid kit and manual
  • Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex)
  • Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
  • Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
  • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
  • Burn ointment to prevent infection
  • Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
  • Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
  • Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies

Things it may be good to have:

• Cell Phone (charge it now)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets
• Non-prescription drugs:
  
  • Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid (for upset stomach)
  • Laxative
• Duct tape
• Emergency food and water including at least one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days; a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices; paper plates and plastic utensils; cooking tools).
• Non-electric can opener
• Sturdy Shoes
• Cash and credit cards

Store important papers in a waterproof container or reseal able plastic bag. Among the important documents: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Other supplies:

• Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach
  Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies
• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Local maps
• Prescription medications and glasses
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Protect your windows:

Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood - marine plywood is best - cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this NOW.

Develop an emergency communication plan.

• In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
• It may be easier to make a long-distance phone call than to call across town, so an out-of-town contact may be in a better position to communicate among separated family members.
• Be sure every member of your family knows the phone number and has coins or a prepaid phone card to call the emergency contact.
• You may have trouble getting through, or the telephone system may be down altogether, but be patient.

For more information go to:

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

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