Hurricane Preparation

Make sure that all family members know what to do during a hurricane.
Teach family member ,mostly kids, how and when to turn off gas and eletricity, how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.

Protect your windows by covering them with sheets of plywood, corrugated tin sheets, or a permanent covering of some sort. Permanent shutters are the best protection for the window, but are expensive causing most people to use less expensive means for covering their windows. If plywood is used it should be at least 1/2 inch thick marine plywood. Many people cut the wood to fit each window and mark which board fits which window. This is helpful when time is running out before the storm hits and allows for the plywood to be reused for several hurricane seasons.. Before mounting the plywood over the windows, holes in the wood and exterior wall of teh home should be drilled at 18 inch intervals. Do this the minute you hear a hurricane warning.

Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. This is important because when a hurricane hits with massive wind speeds, the little boards that you forgot to pick up could go right though a tree ,or even through a window or wall.

Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective, so don't wait for hurricane season to hit before signing up. Homeowner polices do not cover damage from the flooding that almost always is caused by a hurricane.

A good emergency communication plan is very important. If children and parents are not together when a storm is likely to hit, then it is imperative to have a way to get in touch. This kind of plan will help family members get back together before a storm hits, or perhaps after the storm has passed. Some families ask relatives that live in another town or state to be the "family contact". After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call since local phone lines are not working after a storm. Everyone in the family should have the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Natural Disasters Home	Hurricane Home	Hurricane Season	Hurricane Forecasting	Hurricane Timeline	Hurricane Preparedness	Disaster Agencies

	Before the Storm Hits
	Before the Storm Hits
	There is much to be done before a hurricane makes landfall. Preparations for a direct hit by a hurricane must begin quickly once a hurricane watch is issued. A checklist should be used to make sure that all is ready before the storm hits.


	· Flashlight and extra batteries · Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries · First aid kit and manual · Emergency food and water · Nonelectric can opener · Essential medicines · Cash and credit cards · Sturdy shoes


	Make arrangements for pets. Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.

	Make sure that all family members know what to do during a hurricane. Teach family member ,mostly kids, how and when to turn off gas and eletricity, how and when to call 911, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information. Protect your windows by covering them with sheets of plywood, corrugated tin sheets, or a permanent covering of some sort. Permanent shutters are the best protection for the window, but are expensive causing most people to use less expensive means for covering their windows. If plywood is used it should be at least 1/2 inch thick marine plywood. Many people cut the wood to fit each window and mark which board fits which window. This is helpful when time is running out before the storm hits and allows for the plywood to be reused for several hurricane seasons.. Before mounting the plywood over the windows, holes in the wood and exterior wall of teh home should be drilled at 18 inch intervals. Do this the minute you hear a hurricane warning. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. This is important because when a hurricane hits with massive wind speeds, the little boards that you forgot to pick up could go right though a tree ,or even through a window or wall. Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective, so don't wait for hurricane season to hit before signing up. Homeowner polices do not cover damage from the flooding that almost always is caused by a hurricane. A good emergency communication plan is very important. If children and parents are not together when a storm is likely to hit, then it is imperative to have a way to get in touch. This kind of plan will help family members get back together before a storm hits, or perhaps after the storm has passed. Some families ask relatives that live in another town or state to be the "family contact". After a disaster, it is often easier to make a long distance call since local phone lines are not working after a storm. Everyone in the family should have the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.