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Hurricanes
Before a Hurricane
Plan an evacuation route and be ready to drive up to 50 miles inland to locate a safe
place. Have a plan for family members to get back together, such as asking an out-of-state
relative or friend to serve as the family contact.
Have disaster supplies on hand (flashlights, battery-operated radio, extra batteries,
first-aid kit, emergency food and water, nonelectric can opener, essential medicines, cash
and credit cards, and sturdy shoes).
Make arrangements for pets; they may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and
space reasons.
Protect your windows, preferably with permanent shutters. Trim back dead or weak branches
from trees.
During a Hurricane Watch or Warning
Know the difference between a hurricane "warning" and a hurricane
"watch." A watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within
24 to 36 hours. A warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hours
or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports. Check
emergency supplies and fuel car. Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass
doors.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects
that cannot be brought inside. Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove
outside antennas. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when
absolutely necessary and close quickly. Store drinking water.
During a Hurricane Evacuation
Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water
valve.
Leave as soon as possible. Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Take
blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
After a Hurricane
Return home only after authorities advise that it is safe to do so. Enter your home with
caution. Inspect utilities in a damaged home. Check for gas leaks, look for electrical
system damage, and check for sewerage and water lines damage.
Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company,
police, or fire department.
Take pictures of the damage, both to the house and its contents, for insurance claims.
Quick Tip
Don't Forget to print this page, and keep it for handy reference. If your browser doesn't
have printing capabilities, or you would rather have us email these tip sheets to you,
please go to this page and have these emailed to you promptly.
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
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