Plan Ahead For Mother Nature (NAPSA)—As many as11 tropical storms—including five to seven hurricanes—are predicted for the 2001 Gulf and Atlantic Storm season. People wholive in these areas or are planning a trip before December, be sureto stay alert. To start you on the road to storm safety, the disaster team at Rubbermaid’offers four simpletips: Step 1 Be aware of a storm’s status and know the difference between a hurricane watch and a warning. When a WATCHis issued,listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television for up-to-date information. Fill your car’s gas tank and prepare your home to withstand high winds by installing precut plywood over windows and bringing in any items that could be picked up by wind. If a WATCH is upgraded to a WARNING, follow the advice of local officials and evacuate if told to do so—don’t forget to grab your storm supplies. If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside away from doors and windows. Step 2 Identify ahead of time where you will go if told to evacuate. Choose several places—a friend’s homein anothercity, a motel or a shelter—to meet your family and make sure out-of-town family members have a copy of your evacuation information. Step 3 There are six basic categories of items you should stock for your survival kit: * three gallons of water per person * high-calorie, non-perishable snacks stored in Seal’n Saver food storage containers * first aid supplies * clothing and bedding * tools and emergency supplies (ineluding a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries) * special items such as medications, infant care supplies and written instructions on how to turn off utilities when officials advise you to do so. Keep a Rubbermaid 48 qt. Ice Chest stocked with the water supply. When you are preparing for the storm’s arrival, grab several Blue Ice packets out of your freezer to keep your water cold. House the remaining items in an easy-to-carry but durable container such as a Rubbermaid ActionPacker. Featuring a secure lid, this tote prevents water and other elements from ruining the contents. Keep listening to NOAA weather radio or local radio or television for instructions. Only return to your home when told it is safe. Upon returning to your neighborhood, inspect your home for damage and contact your insurance agent. Taking a few minutes today may save yourlife as the storms come rumbling into town. For moreinformation on how to survive storms, visit www.rubbermaid.com.
