Hurricane Info and Storm Prep
When a Hurricane Watch is Issued
- Monitor storm reports on local radio stations and stay alert
- Check your emergency supplies
- Fill up your vehicles with gas
- Get a supply of cash (ATM machines will likely be out of service during and after a hurricane)
- Prepare to leave – what to bring/not to bring to the shelter
- Anchor small boats or transport them to a safe area
- Remain calm
If You Stay at Home
- Stay indoors
- Stay away from windows and glass doors
- Keep television/radio tuned to local broadcast stations
- Remain calm
- Fill water containers (sterilize bathtubs) with a week’s supply of water
- If the center or “eye” of the storm passes directly over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to over a half hour (or more). Stay in a safe place. Make emergency repairs during the lull if necessary, but remember the wind will return suddenly from the opposite direction, frequently with even greater force.
When a Hurricane Warning is Issued
- Remain tuned in to local television/radio broadcast stations
- Mobile home: Check tie-downs and leave immediately
- Prepare for high winds by anchoring securely or bringing indoors anything that might blow away or be torn loose; garbage cans, garden tools, signs, lawn furniture, awnings, and toys; loose objects can be deadly missiles in hurricane winds
- Board up or shutter large windows; tape exposed glass to reduce shattering. When you board up, use good lumber that is securely fastened; makeshift boarding may do more damage than none at all. Have strong bracing for outside windows
- Boats on trailers: Fill with water, lash securely to the trailer and use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground or your house
- Get away from low-lying beaches or other locations which may be swept by high seas or storm waves. If passage to high ground is over a road likely to be underwater, leave early; don’t run the risk of being marooned.
- Add extra chlorine to your swimming pool to prevent contamination, and lower the water level to allow for increased rainfall
Evacuation Information
As information becomes available from the National Hurricane Center, local and state officials will be analyzing the forecasts to determine when to order an evacuation. An evacuation order may come from local officials and/or the Governor.
Stay tuned to local television/radio broadcast stations for evacuation instructions. Travel with care. Evacuation orders are mandatory.
Nobody saves a house by staying in it.
If You Must Evacuate
- Shut off all gas valves and main water valves, as well as the main electrical switch before leaving your home
- Take important documents with you, especially insurance policies and documents establishing home ownership
- Be alert for tornadoes, which are often spawned by hurricanes
- Carry along survival supplies, ideally in large plastic garbage bags
- Bring medicine and/or any other specialty items
- Do not bring pets, alcoholic beverages, or weapons to Red Cross shelters
- Take warm, protective clothing
Steps to Take After the Hurricane
- Don’t touch loose or dangling wires
- Seek necessary medical care
- If you have been evacuated, delay returning until authorized by local authorities
- Report broken sewer or water mains to the water department
- Stay out of disaster areas unless you are qualified to render valuable emergency assistance
- Walk and drive cautiously. Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement, which may collapse under the weight of vehicles
- Guard against spoiled food
- Do not use water until it is declared safe
- Take extra precautions to prevent fires
- Notify insurance representatives of damage; document damaged property
- Make temporary repairs to protect property from further damage or looting
- Call your local Red Cross if you have immediate or special needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medicines, or counseling
Hurricane Related Links
There are many websites available to assist you before and after a hurricane. Here are some noteworthy websites: