your house, then unplug the wet appliance, dry it out,
reconnect it, and finally, turn on the main power switch. (Caution:
Don't do any of these things while _you_ are wet or standing in water.)
If fuses blow when the electric power is restored, turn off the main
power switch again and then inspect for short circuits in your home
wiring, appliances and equipment.

_Check your food and water supplies before using them_. Foods that
require refrigeration may be spoiled if electric power has been off for
some time. Also, don't eat food that has come in contact with flood
waters. Be sure to follow the instructions of local authorities
concerning the use of food and water supplies.

_If needed, get food, clothing, medical care or shelter_ at Red Cross
stations or from local government authorities.

_Stay away from disaster areas_. Sightseeing could interfere with first
aid or rescue work, and may be dangerous as well.

_Don't drive unless necessary_, and drive with caution. Watch for
hazards to yourself and others, and report them to local authorities.

_Write, telegraph or telephone your relatives_, after the emergency is
over, so they will know you are safe. Otherwise local authorities may
waste time locating you--or if you have evacuated to a safer location,
they may not be able to find you. (However, do not tie up the phone
lines if they are still needed for official emergency calls.)

_Do not pass on rumors_ or exaggerated reports of damage.

_Follow the advice and instructions of your local government_ on ways to
help yourself and your community recover from the emergency.

* * * * *

CHAPTER 2

FLOODS AND HURRICANES

In addition to the general guidance in Chapter 1 of this section, there
are certain emergency actions particularly associated with major floods,
hurricanes, and storm tides or surges. These types of disasters usually
are preceded by extended periods of warning. People living in areas
likely to be most severely affected often are warned to move to safer
locations.

EVACUATION

If you are warned to evacuate your home and move to another location
temporarily, there are certain things to remember and do. Here are the
most important ones:

* FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE OF YOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. If you
are told to evacuate, do so promptly. If you are instructed to move to a
certain location, go there--don't go anywhere else. If certain travel
rou