This information for seniors is part of our series of safety resources dealing with emergencies, severe weather and hurricane safety. This resource deals with how to be prepared when severe weather strikes. Be sure to see other resources in this series in our Community Room.

Most all of us here in the US are subject to severe thunderstorms and /or tornados, and many of us are threatened by hurricanes during the late summer months. We need to be reminded occasionally of the risks and some precautions that we should take.

All too often, severe weather can disrupt electric, telephone and cable service. Here are some helpful hints that can help you and your family more safely weather the storm.

Keep your phone lines open

Your local phone company likely will remind you to limit use of your phone during periods of severe weather. Too many callers can jam telephone lines and leave emergency personnel with busy signals. By keeping the lines clear, emergency personnel can communicate quickly, clearly and safely. You should also refrain from calling 911 unless it is an actual emergency.

You can keep informed by staying tuned to local TV and radio broadcasts, cable coverage from the Weather Channel and CNN. All of these outlets normally interrupt normal broadcasting and give weather updates when necessary.

Keep the emergency phone numbers of your utility companies (electric, phone and cable) handy in the event you need to report an outage or a safety emergency. Also remember that cell phones often work when normal phone service is interrupted by severe weather.

Lightening can be very dangerous

Try to limit telephone use to emergency calls only during electrical storms. Strong storms often produce dangerous lightening that can strike and travel through phone lines, resulting in severe injuries to anyone on that line. If you still have electrical service during a thunderstorm, a cordless phone is safer to use than a phone that plugs directly into your phone wiring.

Hurricane safety:

When a hurricane watch is issued, take heed. While most people think that hurricanes are only a concern of coastal residents, actually hurricanes can be deadly hundreds of miles inland (remember Hugo in 1989?). And more hurricane victims die as a result of water than wind!

Here are some safety hints to help you if "the big one" is on the way:

Remain prepared. Check often for official bulletins on local TV and radio stations, the Weather Channel and CNN. Fuel your cars and make sure they're in good running condition. Remember, often roads are clogged with traffic and cars tend to overheat if not well maintained.

Get maps which show you how to get to the designated evacuation routes and recommended shelters near you. If time permits, make a "dry run"; practice driving to them, and be flexible. It's often impossible to tell in advance which roads may be closed.

If any member of your family has special health needs, make sure your local EMS has that information. If needed, they will help you evacuate.

If you live in a mobile home or have a storage building detached from your home, make sure they are tied down. Move boats to safe shelter.

Make sure you have the items for your "hurricane survival kit" (see Hurricane Survival Kit).

Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors. Clear your yard of all loose objects. Shutter or board windows; if neither are available, tape windows. Remember, you are trying to prevent debris from blowing out your windows.

When a hurricane warning is issued:

Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations, the Weather Channel and CNN. Stay at home if it is sturdy and on high ground. Board up your garage and porch doors. Move valuables to upper floors or atop high furniture. Bring in your pets.

Fill containers with drinking water. Turn up the refrigerator to maximum cool; do not open the doors unless necessary. Use the phone only if necessary.

Clean containers and bath tubs and fill them with water to use in the event your normal water supply is contaminated by the storm.

If you want to leave or if an evacuation notice is given:

Shut off water and electricity at their main cut-offs. Leave early - in daylight, if possible.

Take small valuables, insurance papers and other important documents. Don't forget your medications and your Hurricane Survival Kit.

Leave plenty of food and water for pets; remember, most shelters will not take them. Perhaps your veterinarian, SPCA, or Humane Society can help you (but you'll need to make those arrangements well in advance).

Lock up your house and drive carefully to the nearest designated shelter. If you are leaving town, take along your maps and directions to the designated evacuation routes.

If you do not evacuate:

During the storm, get into a safe room away from windows. If the electricity goes out, use flashlights - candles can start fires.

Do not cook during the storm. A gust of wind could cause or spread a fire and the fire department would not be able to help you!

Beware the eye of the storm. Rain and wind may stop for a few minutes to a half hour. Don't be fooled: rain and wind can suddenly pick up again from the opposite direction, with little or no warning, and they will be just a fierce as they were before the eye arrived.

After the storm:

Stay tuned to local TV and radio stations, the Weather Channel and CNN for the latest information. Wait for "all clear" before venturing outdoors.

Stay away from dangling power lines, and report broken or damaged water, sewer, or electric lines to proper authorities.

Use only water that has been stored in bottles or declared safe by public officials. Don't eat food that has been or contaminated in any way by the storm.

Check the food in your refrigerator and freezer (see How Safe Is Your Food During and After A Hurricane?).

Make temporary repairs to your dwelling as soon as possible to keep further damage from occurring. Notify your insurance company immediately of property damage.

Be patient! Local, state and federal officials will work around the clock to help residents with cleanup and recovery.