1. Before A Hurricane Threatens

• Obtain a two-week supply of needed materials and food/water for your family.
• Plan an evacuation route, especially if you live in a flood zone.
• Check insurance policies, and place all important documents in a secure waterproof area/container.
• Advise family and friends of your intentions to either stay or evacuate in the event of an emergency.
  

Supplies You Should Have At Home (Keep these supplies at home during the June-November Hurricane Season)

• can opener (non-electric) • extra prescription medicine • portable cooler • battery-operated radio • ¾ " plywood (for windows) • bleach • 100 foot rope (or more) • trash bags • matches and candles • baby food, diapers, formula • drinking water (bottled or in jugs) • flashlights/extra batteries • emergency contact numbers

• film/empty disks for camera • mosquito repellent • tarps • duct tape • canned/packaged foods • adequate first-aid kit • toiletries/personal items • emergency cooking tools • fire extinguisher • tools (hammer, nails, etc.) • sleeping bags/blankets • adequate cash • waterproof containers

2. When A Hurricane Threatens

HURRICANE WATCH: a storm may strike within 24-48 hours.
HURRICANE WARNING: a storm is expected to strike within 24 hours.

• Turn your refrigerator/freezer to its coldest setting.
• Charge all cell phones and other items.
• Obtain all medication.
• Wash all close in the event that power/water is out for an extended period. Dry towels may be needed to prevent water from coming through doorways or openings.
• Freeze water in plastic jugs to keep food cool if power is lost and later for drinking.
• Have at least two weeks of drinking water (two quarts per person per day).
• Obtain some ready to eat food items (e.g. bread, chips, fruit).
• Cut back tree limbs from your house or parking areas that may cause damage.
• Fill your bathtub or containers with water
• Secure your home (shuttering windows, bracing sliding glass doors, etc.). Open the indoor trap door to your attic and close all windows.
• Store away or tie down all outdoor objects that can be blown away.
• Fill your car's gas tank (do this early). Obtain extra gas for generators or other equipment.
• If you own a small boat, secure it whether it is at your home or a marina. Attach the trailer to something firm in the ground, deflate the tires, and lash the boat to the trailer.
• Place valuables and personal documents (insurance papers, etc.) in waterproof containers and store them in a safe place. Move valuables off the floor in the event of flooding.
• Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand. Storms and loss of power may effect the processing of credit cards or checks.
• Contact your work and or school to determine if they will be open for business.
• If you have travel plans contact the airport or hotel to determine if there are cancellations.
• Take pictures of valuables and secure them for your records.
  • Move valuables away from windows or low areas that may flood.
• Begin your evacuation if advised or if you feel unsafe.
• Bring pets inside.
  

3. During The Hurricane

• Stay indoors.
• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Unplug computers and electrical equipment.
• Stay indoors as the "eye" or calm center passes, unless emergency repairs are absolutely necessary.
• When the electricity goes off, use flashlights instead of candles or kerosene lamps. Conserve refrigeration by opening refrigerator/freezer doors as little as possible.
• Secure all doors and windows.
  

4. After The Hurricane

• Remain indoors until the official "all clear" is issued.
• If your home is damaged, wait for an inspection before moving back in.
• Water supplies may be contaminated; use only your stored water. Otherwise, strain water and boil for five minutes before drinking.
• Stay away from fallen wires, trees, power poles, etc.
• If you have damage contact your insurance company for information.
• Check on your neighbors, to ensure their safety.