Community Minute is brought to you by McCoy Federal Credit Union...

Hurricane season is in full swing and STAR Cares wants you to be prepared. Did you know hurricanes can produce winds exceeding 155 miles per hour?
More importantly, severe hurricane damage is caused by the flash flooding and rainfall, not the storm itself.

Be an example in your neighborhood by making sure your family and community is ready to weather the storm. Follow these tips from ready.gov:

            1. Create an emergency kit that includes items such as:

• Medicine
• Important Documents
• Water
• Flashlights
• Puzzles & books for children
• Click here  for a full checklist

2. Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground.Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.

3. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.

4. If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations. Try to remain on or below the 10th floor.

5. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.

6. Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.

7. Stay out of any building if you smell gas.

8. Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

9. NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation.

10. Develop a family communication plan that includes information such as: date of birth, social security numbers, and out of town contacts. Click here for an easy to fill out form.

For more Emergency Preparedness tips, visit www.ready.gov