Preparation is the best way to protect your home and loved ones against the dangers of a hurricane.
Use the following checklist to prepare for a hurricane.
- Sign up for your community’s emergency alert warning system. Listen for emergency information and alerts.
- Become familiar with your hurricane evacuation zone, evacuation route and shelter locations.
- Gather and/or restock your emergency survival kit supplies, including the following:
- One gallon of water per person per day (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- Nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food (three-day supply for an evacuation, two-week supply for home)
- A flashlight
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, such as an NOAA weather radio
- Extra batteries
- A first-aid kit
- Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items such as hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.
- A multipurpose tool
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Critical documents, sealed in a waterproof container (Keep any important documents you won't need in an emergency off-site.)
- A cellphone and charger
- Family and emergency contact information
- Extra cash
- An emergency blanket that's waterproof, windproof, easily packable and shred-resistant
- Map(s) of the area
- An extra set of car keys and house keys
- Baby and pet supplies (if applicable)
- A manual can opener
- Review your insurance policies. Do you have flood insurance?
- Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full. Stock emergency supplies and a change of clothes in the trunk.
- Make plans for your pets.
- Protect your property. Consider hurricane shutters, plywood, sandbags, a generator and water pumps. Cover all of your home’s windows.
- Cut weak tree branches and any branches that could break off in high winds and cause property damage.
- Bring in any loose items that could blow around, including garbage cans, lawn furniture and planters.
- Move all appliances onto masonry blocks or concrete.
- Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor.
- Remove area rugs from floors so they won’t get wet and grow mold or mildew.
- If you have an emergency generator, fill the fuel tank. Store extra fuel away from heat sources and open flames.
- Seal any exterior gaps, holes or cracks.
- Close all interior doors, windows and exterior doors. Closing the interior doors keeps high winds from whipping around your home and possibly putting extra pressure on your roof.
- Charge your cellphone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
- Shut off electrical service at the main breaker.