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 windowsRemove outside antennas.
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settingsOpen 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 placeUse 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.

Hurricane Checklist

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