Before a Hurricane
- Know where you will go if you have to evacuate.
- Plan your evacuation route.
- Have disaster supplies on hand in the event of a storm
- Make arrangements for pets.
- Make plans for your boat.
- Protect valuable documents and property
- Make sure that all family members know how to respond after a hurricane.
- Protect your windows.
- Trim back dead or weak branches from trees.
- Check into disaster insurance.
- Develop an emergency communication plan.
- Take pictures of your house and property.
During a Hurricane Watch
- Listen to local radio or television stations for hurricane progress reports and emergency orders.
- Check to be sure you have emergency supplies.
- Fill all your cars with fuel.
- If you have not already done so, stock up on water, non-perishable food, water and ice.
- Bring in all outdoor objects like lawn furniture, toys, garden tools, etc.
- Secure buildings by closing shutters and/or boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Fill bathtubs, washing machines, sinks and other containers with clean water.
- Review evacuation plan.
- Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tie downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
During a Hurricane Warning
- Listen to local radio and television stations for official instructions.
- Get to shelter.
- If you are in a mobile home, check tie downs, then evacuate immediately to a safe location.
- Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
- Avoid elevators.
If evacuating
- Leave as soon as possible, avoiding flooded roads.
- Unplug all appliances.
- Take emergency supplies and warm protective clothing.
- Take your valuables with you.
- Take your cellular phone and battery pack for recharging.
After the Hurricane
- If you evacuated, return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
- If you evacuated, and your house has been vacant for a period of time, enter with caution.
- Stay tuned to local radio and/or television for information.
- Help injured or trapped persons.
- Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately if possible to the power company, police, or fire department.
- Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water.
- Check gas, electrical and water lines for damage.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
- Check refrigerated foods for spoilage.
- Drive only if absolutely necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
- Use telephone only for emergency calls.
- Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims.