Being Prepared For Thunder, Lightning Or Rain (NAPSA)—It can be easier than you think to protect your home. All it takes is a little foresight. This year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts seven to nine hurricanes during the coming season, June 1 to November 30. Of those, three to five will be major storms ranked Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale of hurri- cane strength. To keep your home and family safe, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some things you can do to avoid property damage—or injury: Keep on handa first-aid kit, bottled water, a battery-operated TV or radio (or a hand-cranked radio) and a cellphone. Remember, landline phones can be unsafe during electrical storms. e You can minimize damage to your home by trimming back dead or weak branches from trees. In case you're not home, have an emergency kit on handfor your car. Load a water-resistant con- tainer with a flashlight, a portable radio, a first-aid kit, a blanket, booster cables, a fire extinguisher, bottled water, nonperishable highenergy foods, current road maps, spare motor oil and brake and steering fluid, tire sealer, a tire repair kit and tire air pump, emergency flares, a shovel, and a tow strap or rope. Tape, even duct tape, will not a pram eT It’s well worth the effort to prevent storm damage to your home. adequately protect your windows. If you don’t have shutters, the best way to cover your windowsis with a piece of half-inch or 5/8” plywood cut to fit each one. The boards should be marked so you know whichpiece goes with which window. You should drill holes every 18 inches for screws long before the storm even threatens. During a storm, stay as close to the center of your home as possible. Use flashlights rather than candles if the poweris out. Switch a single light on so you'll know when powerhasbeen restored. For additional benefits, if you are building or remodeling, con- sider plywood for your floors and roofs. Benefits of GeorgiaPacific’s Plytanium plywood include stiffer, quieter floors and more durableroofs. For more information, go to www.plytanium.com.
