Hurricane Season – June 1 to November 30

Hurricanes are the single largest natural threat to our nation’s coastlines.  They have the potential to destroy your home, and even your entire community.  By planning ahead, you can greatly reduce personal injury and damage to property.  Here are some guidelines:

v     Know the storm surge path.

v     Find safe inland routes.

v     Devise a family emergency plan and rehearse it.

v     If you live in a coastal area or island, know your nearest shelter and evacuation route.

v     Assemble an emergency survival kit.

v     Have enough non-perishable food and water to last two weeks.

v     Plan for the safety of your pets (they are not allowed in shelters)

v     Make sure all members of your family know how and when to turn off your utilities.

v     Review insurance policy for adequate coverage and secure in waterproof container in a safe place.

v     Obtain and store materials necessary to secure your home such as hurricane shutters, plywood and plastic sheeting before hurricane season.

v     Inspect your home for loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

v     Trim trees and shrubs that could fall or blow onto your home during high winds.

v     Tack down any loose roofing and siding.

v     Decide where to store your vehicles or boat.

v     Inspect roof, doors, windows and garage doors where destructive winds may gain an entry.

When a hurricane watch is issued:

v     Monitor radio, TV or NOAA weather radio for official bulletins.

v     Fuel and service vehicles.

v     Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.

v     Clear yard of lawn furniture, potted plants, bicycles and other potential flying debris.

v     Prepare to cover windows, glass doors, brace entry and garage doors at top and bottom and remove antennas.

v     Check food and water supplies

v     Check and replenish first-aid supplies

v     Obtain a two week supply of prescription medicines (have a medicine listing)

v     Have a supply of cash on hand (banks may be closed and power out for ATM operations)

v     Review your evacuation plan.

When a warning is issued:

v     Closely monitor radio, TV or NOAA weather radio.

v     Leave immediately if ordered to do so by local officials.

v     Complete preparation activities, such as covering windows and doors with plywood, etc.

v     Keep all windows closed!

v     Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles.

v     Adjust refrigerator to coldest setting so food will keep longer.

 If ordered to evacuate:

v     Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding and leave in daylight if possible.

v     Always leave mobile homes.

v     Unplug major appliances,  turn off electricity and mail water valve.

v     Notify neighbors and family members outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.

v     Take protective clothing sleeping bags, blankets and your disaster kit.

v     Lock up your home and leave immediately, avoiding flood roads and keeping alert.

v     Hurricane shelters are available for people who have no place to go.  Do not leave your home for a shelter until government officials announce on radio and/or TV that a shelter is open.

After the hurricane:

v     Say where you are until you receive official confirmation from authorities that the storm is over and safe to leave.

v     Prepared to be self-reliant as you will probably be without power and water and many businesses will be non-operational.

v     Monitor local radio and TV broadcasts for information regarding emergency medical aid, food and other types of assistance.

v     Wait for officials to check your home or building for structural damage and avoid using telephone unless absolutely necessary.

For your safety:

v     Avid driving as many roads will be covered with debris and will be impassable.  Be mindful of emergency vehicles and workers as they respond.

v     Beware of outdoor hazards like downed power lines, poisonous snakes, weakened bridges, washed-out roads, weakened trees.

v     Confine or secure your pets to keep them safe.

v     Enlist neighbors to help clear your street for emergency vehicles.

v     Avoid using candles and other open flames.  Use flashlights instead.

v     Take photo’s of damaged areas, one for insurance and one for your records.