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Hurricane evacuation safety tips

1. Have some cash, and carry all your credit cards. Also be sure to get a copy of your homeowner's insurance policy.

2. Have multiple escape routes and know the proper government evacuation route. Make sure you car's fuel tank is filled and your mobile phone is charged.

3. Identify ahead of time where you could go if told to evacuate. Choose several places, like a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter.

4. Assemble a disaster supplies kit including the following items:

5. If evacuating, unplug all electrical devices. Shut off natural gas if local officials advise it and make sure to have a sufficient supply of batteries for battery-powered equipment.

6. Secure your home by boarding over windows or putting up hurricane shutters. If you use boards, purchase precut one-half-inch outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and drill holes in the plywood ahead of time, so it can be installed quickly.

7. If you live in a wooded area, make trees more wind-resistant by taking out diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

8. Move to safe shelters. Low-lying areas and mobile homes should be evacuated.

9. Stay informed by monitoring weather advisories on radio and television. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

10. If a hurricane watch is issued, prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.