FROM STAFF REPORTS

With hurricane season under way and much of recent news focused on Hurricane Isaac in August, Chancellor Volunteer Fire & Rescue has offered some tips for preparedness.

The department calls the list "tried and true" tips to help residents survive the storm season if hurricanes strike Virginia.

"First of all, take advantage of the lull in bad weather to check your emergency supplies and gather items that would be needed if a power outage should last for several days," Kevin Dillard, administrative chief of Chancellor Fire & Rescue, said in a press release.

Items to include in a hurricane survival kit include:

A supply of water equal to one gallon per person per day, with a minimum three-day supply.

Some nonperishable food and a can opener.

A first-aid kit

Baby and/or pet supplies if needed

Blankets and batteries

Flashlights

Personal items and toilet paper

Medications.

The department also included some advice to follow in the event a hurricane watch is issued.

Bring in or secure garbage cans, outdoor furniture, bicycles, plants, etc.

Put fuel in vehicles.

Store valuable papers in a waterproof/fireproof container.

Charge up all cellphones and have a battery-powered radio available.

Check emergency supplies.

The department also released some tips for what to do during the storm.

Stay inside, away from windows, and preferably in the center of the house.

If you lose power, turn off major appliances to prevent a power surge when service is restored.

Listen to the radio and watch television broadcasts, if possible, for official instructions.

Avoid opening the door of the refrigerator and/or freezer unless necessary to help food stay cold as long as possible.

"The time for families to think about a weather crisis and preparedness plan is well before the event, not in the middle when power may be out," David Bodkins, Dominion Virginia power spokesman, said in the press release. "A list of action items and key phone numbers can be posted inside a pantry or closet door, and a home preparedness kit with important items can be collected well in advance--and should be."

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