Media Advisory

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.

###
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES