Preparing for a Hurricane

Be prepared

The Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts from June 1 to November 30. Don’t be caught off guard. Use this guide and take the time to:

• Stock up on supplies
• Consult and plan with your family
• Get organized and ready for an emergency
• Stay informed so you’ll know when a storm is coming

When hurricane season begins

The beginning of the season is the best time to develop your emergency response plans. Make sure you have supplies to last at least two weeks.

Create a disaster kit to take with you in case of emergency. The American Red Cross recommends it contain:

• First aid kit and essential medications
• Canned food and manual can opener
• At least 3 gallons of water per person
• Protective clothing, rainwear
• Bedding or sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled

Review your insurance policy and keep a copy in a watertight container. Take it with you if/when you evacuate. Obtain written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water in case authorities advise you to do so.

Emergency supplies to have at home

• Two-week supply of medicines, prescriptions
• First aid supplies
• Medical ID
• Extra clothing, eyeglasses, etc.
• Toiletries
• Manual can opener
• Ice chest and ice
• Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags
• Quiet games, books, playing cards
• Portable radio/flashlights and clock with extra batteries
• Infant necessities (baby food, formula, disposable diapers)
• Tools, nails, duct tape
• Important papers (valid ID)
• Plenty of cash (ATMs may not work)
• Fire extinguisher
• Disposable plates, glasses, and utensils
• Disposable washcloths and paper towels
• Bleach (without lemon or any additives)
• Trash bags
• Water storage containers
• Fuel can and fuel, sterno
• Portable, battery-powered lanterns
• Mosquito repellent

Non-perishable foods

• Bottled water
• Powdered or individually packaged drinks
• Crackers, cereals, cookies, snacks
• Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, soups, puddings, milk
• Special dietary foods
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Powdered or shelf-pack milk
• Dried fruit
• Instant coffee and tea
• Condiments
• Pet food

Decide where you will go if you must evacuate.

Prepare in advance to evacuate inland to a low-rise hotel, motel, or a friend’s or relative’s home outside the storm area.

• Make a list of important phone numbers and pack in your disaster kit.
• Plan your route and an alternate – and have a current map of the route on hand. Notify family and friends of your plans.
• If you need special consideration to evacuate (because of age, physical disability, medical needs, etc.), register with your county’s civil defense and office of emergency management in advance.
• Discuss emergency plans with your agency representative and your physician if you receive home health care or depend upon electrical life-support equipment. Make arrangements with a hospital if necessary.

Make preparations for those with special needs

If you wish to help elderly friends or relatives evacuate:

• Plan when you will secure their property and pick them up when the evacuation order is issued.
• Keep a checklist of their prescription medications in your emergency plans so you will know what they need to bring.

Pet safety

Plan ahead where you will take your pets, as most shelters do not admit them.

• Boarding kennels, veterinarians, friends, relatives, or motels that allow pets are possibilities.
• Call your local Humane Society or your veterinarian for more information about pet care in an emergency.

Evaluate emergency equipment

Obtain and store materials – such as plywood and duct tape – necessary to properly secure your home. Pre-drill holes and cut plywood so you’re ready should a storm occur.

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.

NOTE: Once a hurricane watch or warning has been issued, do not attempt to trim trees and/or shrubs. Trash pickup will be suspended, and your trash can become dangerous missiles in the storm’s high winds.

As the storm approaches

Pay attention to the latest weather updates on local radio and television stations or online.

If you must evacuate

Mobile homes and factory-built or pre-fabricated homes are unsafe in hurricane conditions, no matter how firmly they may be attached to the ground. High-rise apartments and condos must also be evacuated because they are susceptible to conditions that may cause fires during high winds, when it’s impossible to get emergency help. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

An evacuation order may come from local officials and/or the governor, and will be broadcast by zone number.

• Leave early to avoid traffic or early flooding.
• Turn off electricity, water, and gas before you leave.
• Unplug major appliances.
• Remember your disaster kit. Pack emergency supplies in your vehicle and leave immediately on your pre-planned route.

Red Cross shelters are available for people who have nowhere else to go. Do not go to a shelter until you hear an announcement that it is open.

Organize emergency supplies

• Put your emergency plan into action and ready your family and home. Prepare emergency water storage: Sterilize bathtub, jugs, cooking utensils, and containers. Scrub thoroughly, sponge with bleach, rinse, and let dry; fill with water.
• Clear your yard of loose objects such as bicycles, lawn furniture, and trash cans.
• Anchor objects (no matter how heavy or large) that cannot be moved inside.
• Secure your boat. Lash it to your trailer securely, let the air out of the trailer tires, and secure to something sturdy in the ground. If you keep your boat in a marina, check your contract: some require that you move it when a hurricane watch is issued. You are responsible for your boat.
• Close all windows and doors, and board wherever possible. Taping glass will not prevent breakage.
• Do not drain your pool completely; lower water level 6 to 12 inches and add extra chlorine to prevent contamination. Turn off electricity to equipment and cover pool pump, if exposed.
• Store documents and valuables in waterproof containers and secure in the highest possible spot.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting opening only when absolutely necessary.
• Freeze water in plastic jugs and containers, and use them to fill empty spaces between refrigerator contents to keep food cool.

After a storm

Don’t expect to return home immediately. Access to damaged areas will be controlled due to rescue and repair operations.

• Avoid driving; leave the roads clear for emergency vehicles.
• Report dangling electrical wires and any broken water, gas, or sewer lines to your local utility department. Do not report individual interruptions in power, water, or phone service.

Enter your home with caution

• Beware of snakes, insects, or other animals driven to high ground by floodwater.
• Be careful with fire. Do not strike a match until you are certain there are no severed gas lines.

Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.