HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Find out about the National Flood Insurance Program if you live in a flood plain. Remember, there is usually a 30-day waiting period for such insurance.
Create a family disaster plan- information for creating a family disaster plan can be obtained through your local Emergency Management Office or the American Red Cross.
Protect your windows, create plywood panels for each window and pre-drill holes every 18 inches. Make sure that you mark where each panel goes. When the storm approaches, it will be quicker and easier to install them, and you won't have to be concerned about a supply shortage.
Know the risks of hurricanes in your area

Get and use only official information
Know the storm surge history and elevation of your area
Learn the safe routes inland
Learn the location of official emergency shelters
Avoid low-lying areas
Store everything that might blow away
Review the needs and working condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.
Check your home for loose or clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall or bump against the house. When trimming, try to create a channel through the foliage to the center of the tree to allow for air flow.
Determine where to move your boat in an emergency
Review your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
Individuals with special needs should contact their local office of emergency management.

Frequently monitor radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins of the storm's progress
Fuel and service family vehicles
Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs
Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials.
Remove awnings
Check food, water, and medical supplies.
- Have clean, air-tight containers on hand to store at least 2 weeks of drinking water (14 gallons per person).
- Stock up on canned provisions
- Get a camping stove with fuel
- Keep a small cooler with frozen gel packs handy for packing refrigerated items.
- Have a fully stocked first aid kit available
- Have a non-electric can opener available
- Check prescription medicines-obtain at least 10 days to 2 weeks supply
- Stock up on extra batteries for radios, flashlights, and lanterns.
Prepare to store and secure outdoor lawn furniture and other loose, lightweight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, potted plants, etc.
Have on hand an extra supply of cash.
Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary.
Review evacuation plans.
If you have a boat, moor it securely, or move it to a safe place. Use ropes or chains to secure the boat to the trailer. Use tie-downs to anchor the trailer to the ground or the house.

Continue close monitoring of radio, TV, NOAA Weather Radio, or hurricane hotline telephone numbers for official bulletins
Complete all preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters or panels, storing loose objects, etc.
Brace outside doors
Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warning area of your evacuation plans.
Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container and place in the highest level of your home.
Avoid elevators
Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered to do so.
If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight).
Evacuate areas that might be affected by storm surge flooding.
If in a mobile home, check tie-downs and evacuate immediately.

Hurricane Preparedness Links

FEMA PUBLICATION

After a Flood: The First Steps -- 190 KB