What to do for a Hurricane?

Before the Disaster

During the Disaster

After the Disaster
• Plan an evacuation route and learn safe routes inland
  • Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
  • Have disaster supplies on hand.
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes

• Have disaster supplies on hand

• Develop an emergency communication plan in case of separation

• Ask an out-of-state relative to serve as the "family contact"

• Teach family members when and how to turn off gas and electricity

• Trim back dead or weak branches from trees

• Check into flood insurance

• Teach children when and how to call 9-1-1

• Make arrangements for family pets because some emergency shelters may not allow pets

Protect your windows
  • Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood - marine plywood is best - cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window.
  • Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.

 

 Hurricane Watch (conditions within 24-36 hours):

• Listen to battery-operated radio for progress reports; check emergency supplies
• Fuel car
• Bring in outdoor objects
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows
• Remove outside antennas
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles
• Moor boat securely or move to a designated safe place; anchor trailer to ground
• Review evacuation plan

Hurricane Warning (conditions expected in 24 hours or less):

• Listen to radio for instructions
• Tie down mobile home and evacuate immediately
• Store valuables in waterproof container
• Avoid elevators.

If at home:

• Stay inside, away from anything glass
• Keep a supply of batteries and flashlights
• Avoid open flames as a source of light
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge."
• If evacuation is necessary: leave ASAP, avoiding flooded roads and washed-out bridges
• Secure home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve
• If time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding
• Bring pre-assembled emergency supplies and warm clothing
• Take blankets and sleeping bags to a shelter and leave immediately

 • Stay tuned to radio for information, returning home only when authorities advise it is safe to do so

• Help injured or trapped persons and give first aid where appropriate

• Avoid loose or dangling power lines and report them to the power company or fire department

• Beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground by flood water

• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home

• Check refrigerated foods for spoilage

• Take pictures of the damage for insurance claims

• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges

• Use telephones only for emergency

From FEMA

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