Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc. Shares Lesser Known Hurricane Safety Information

Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc.
1031 S.W. 30th Avenue
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

Toll Free: (888) 489-9797
Broward: (954) 489-9797
Fax: (954) 489-7799

South Floridians Urged to "Know the Drill"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June, 2006

Deerfield Beach, FL --- Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc.'s owner Lucille A. Marino made a promise to herself when she founded the company in 1995: Educating the South Florida community at large on hurricane safety and preparation would be her highest priority.

"We see our mission as one of education" said Marino, "and it's a mission we've never strayed from."

Marino has just launched Ocean's new website - http://www.oceanshuttersmfg.com. She said that the site - which will receive regular and timely updates -verifies her commitment to safety. And while it is composed of a wide variety of storm safety information, she wants to share additional, lesser publicized facts.

"Many people talk about what to do before and during a hurricane, but not a lot is said about what to be aware of after the storm," explained Marino.

Here, courtesy of Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc., are some tips on what to do after the hurricane has passed:

Avoid driving as much as possible. Roads will be littered with debris, may be dangerous, blocked or closed by emergency officials.

Don't go out "sightseeing." Even if your area is now safe, let emergency officials do their jobs in other neighborhoods so those residents can return home as well.

Stay in at night, so you're not mistaken for a looter.

Avoid sagging or downed power lines or other utility wires.

Be aware that snakes, insects and stray animals or even pets often seek high ground after storms. And remember that stray pets can be traumatized by storm conditions, and can be highly agitated, so take extra caution.

Be careful entering your home. Open doors and windows for ventilation and to begin the drying process.

If your home sustained water damages from flooding, do not turn main power back on until an inspection has been completed by a licensed electrician.

Meticulously photograph any damages to your home or property for your insurance records.

Take extra precautions with fire, matches, and candles. Do not strike a match or carry candles in an area which could possibly have gas leaks.

Keep the telephone free for emergency communications

Marino especially wanted to make South Floridians aware of The National Next Of Kin Registry (NOKR), a free high-speed solution to locating your next of kin in urgent situations. She pointed out that making sure you and your loved ones are registered on NOKR's site can prove crucial if there's a major hurricane.

"The Next of Kin Registry is the nation's only central system serving local and state agencies to access victims' emergency contacts in the event of a disaster."

By registering and storing your emergency contact and other information, you're safeguarding yourself and your family for the unforeseen, Marino emphasized. Many people think that if they are carrying a driver's license, identification card or credit cards, authorities will know who their emergency contact is. The fact is these forms of ID only indicate who you are - not who should be contacted in the event of an emergency. She urged everyone to register today at http://www.nokr.org/.

About Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc.: Founded in 1995, Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc. is a licensed and insured company that has been providing "cutting-edge" storm shutter technology to South Floridians for more than a decade. All products, which meet or exceed the rigorous requirements of the Miami-Dade County Product Approval and the Florida Building Code, are used effectively throughout the State of Florida - giving homeowners both peace of mind and refuge. Above all, at Ocean, we want to inform our customers about hurricanes and especially what they can do to remain safe.

Contact:
Lucille A. Marino
Ocean Shutters Manufacturing, Inc.
Phone: 954-489-9797
http://www.oceanshuttersmfg.com/