Preparing for Hurricane Season and Tropical Storms

Hurricane Season is from June 1st to November 30th

Key Points:

• Get ready for hurricane season by making a plan, gathering supplies, and getting your homes, car and family ready for the storm.
• Know what you should do or where to go if told to evacuate or stay at home.

Plan: Before the Storm:

1. Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them in a spot known to everyone in the household.
2. Prepare an emergency supply kit.
3. Locate the nearest shelter and the different routes you can take to get there.
4. Plan your route for evacuation and where you are going to go.
5. Pet Owners: Identify a pet-friendly hotel and/or out-of-town relative or friend where you can go in case of evacuation.

Emergency Supplies:

It is good to have a tote dedicated to emergency supplies for weather events such as this.

• Water and food supplies
  • Gallons or cases of water
  • Ready to eat canned meat, fruits and vegetables
  • Food for infants
  • Food for pets
• Medicine Supplies
  • A list of daily prescriptions, including information about diagnosis, dosage, frequency, medical supply needs, and allergies.
  • Nonprescription drugs, like pain and fever relievers, antihistamines and antidiarrheal medicines.

• Cooler with ice packs for any medicines that need to be refrigerated.
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Power Sources such as flashlights and extra batteries
• Important documents
• NOAA Weather Radio
• A fire extinguisher – it is important that everyone in the home knows where it is and how to use it.

Home:

• Clear your yard – make sure all items in yard are under cover or tied Make sure nothing can be blown around during the storm that can damage your home.
• Cover up windows and doors – use storm shutters or plywood on your windows for protection.
• Be ready to turn your power If you see downed power lines and/or flooding, or leaving your home, switch the power of.
• Fill up your sinks and bathtubs before the storm, in case of power outage.
• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and keep an emergency kit in your car.

During the Storm:

• Closely monitor TV, Radio, Weather App or NOAA Weather Radio to monitor the storm’s progress.
• Have all emergency items ready and plan in place if evacuation becomes necessary.
• Have a designated 1stfloor interior room that avoids windows and doors.
• Keep an eye for Tornadoes which often are spawned by hurricanes.

After the Storm:

• Do not drive through flooded and/or barricaded TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN.
• Avoid weakened bridges and/or washed-out roads.
• Watch for downed power lines and other hazards and avoid walking through water if possible.