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Contact: 212-346-5500

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2001 - While the path of Tropical Storm Barry is still uncertain, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute (I.I.I.) suggests that now is the time to take the necessary measures to protect your family and property should the storm strike Florida and Louisiana.

The I.I.I. suggests the following:

• Heed warnings and leave low-lying areas that may be swept by high tides and waves. If your evacuation route is over a road likely to be congested or covered by water, don't delay evacuation.
• Board up your windows; protect them with storm shutters or place tape on them from one corner diagonally to another.
• Secure all outdoor objects that could be blown around by storm winds.
• Have at least one flashlight in good condition, with extra batteries readily available.
• Make sure your portable radio is working. This may be your only link with the outside world for some time. Keep your radio tuned to a weather station, as it will keep you advised of the storm's path.
• Stock a generous supply of drinking water, extra canned goods and nonperishable foods.
• If you need medicines of any kind, make sure you have an adequate supply.
• Check your mobile home tie-downs and leave for shelter that is more substantial.
• Move your boat to a safe place, or at least strengthen the mooring lines.
• If your community turns off electrical power, pull fuses and close the main gas valve before evacuating your home.
• Fuel at least one family car, as service stations may be inoperable for several days. If possible, your vehicle should be moved from an area where flooding may occur.

The I.I.I. also suggests consumers create an inventory of personal possessions. If a hurricane hits, an inventory will help in obtaining insurance settlements and/or tax deductions for any losses. Make two copies of your inventory checklist and other important insurance papers. Keep one at home in a waterproof container and the other away from home in a safety deposit box.

The I.I.I. developed a brochure, Hurricane Awareness, that provides hurricane preparedness information. Consumers can obtain a free copy of the brochure by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY, 10038. Hurricane preparedness information is also available on I.I.I.'s web site, .