Hurricane Preparedness Guide
If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, you're probably aware of the damage to life and property that can result from severe
weather. The best way to protect your family is to be better prepared!
| Better awareness. Know ahead of time whether you live in an evacuation area and your home's vulnerability to storm conditions. Know the difference between a watch and a warning and what to do in case of either. |
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| Better preparedness. Check food and emergency supplies twice a year, once before the start of hurricane season (June 1). Make sure your family's hurricane preparedness kit is refreshed with all necessary items. See the section on compiling a hurricane preparedness kit for more information. |
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| Better plan. Map out your family's evacuation plan in case of emergency. You'll need to answer questions such as where will you go? What will you do with family pets? How do you turn off water, gas, and electricity if advised to do so by authorities? Read on for more information compiling your plan. |
Compile a plan.
Have as many components of your evacuation plan as possible mapped out before hurricane season. Put your plan in writing, including a list of evacuation steps and important phone numbers. Distribute copies of the completed list to all family members. Compile the answers to the following questions to complete your plan.
How will I protect my property? Know how to turn off water, gas, and electricity if advised to do so by authorities. Have a plan for securing yard items, preparing windows, reinforcing doors, etc. Contact the American Red Cross and ask for the brochure "Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Damage" for more information.
Where will my family go if forced to evacuate? Get information about shelters in your area and identify the places your family could go if forced to evacuate. Keep the telephone numbers and road maps to these destinations handy in case you must take an alternative route. Learn evacuation routes and practice them to get a better idea of how long it takes to get to your final destination. Leave early and be sure to allow time for heavy traffic.
What will I do with/how will I transport family pets? To prepare for the worst, the American Red Cross suggests that all pet owners put together an emergency supply kit for their pets. This kit should include a three-day supply of food and water, medications, medical records and a first-aid kit for your pet. Additionally, owners should ensure their pets are wearing up-to-date identification, including the phone number of someone in the area in case your pet becomes lost while you're not at home. Visit www.petswelcome.com for a list of pet-friendly hotels.
Where do I tune in for the most current weather information? During a watch, you'll want to monitor local media for current weather information. Plan to have a battery-operated radio handy in case of a power outage so that you are still able to get the most up-to-date weather and evacuation instructions.
How will I get into contact with other family members if separated? All family members should know the number of an out-of-town relative or friend who can act as a communication link if family members become separated.
Evacuate or stay?
During a hurricane watch, keep a battery-operated radio handy for up-to-date storm conditions. Be sure your car is fueled in case of evacuation and keep your preparedness kit at hand.
One a warning is issued, take immediate action. Keep your written plan handy; at this point you will need to take all precautions for protecting your home and preparing family members for evacuation. if you are told by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately.
If you live along the coast, in an apartment building or mobile home, you will likely need to evacuate. If you do not live in an evacuation area and should choose to stay, identify an interior first-floor room of your home with no windows to protect you from severe wind.