Hurricane Preparedness Tips

The following are Hurricane Preparedness tips and instructions from Hank Rogers, our Certified Floodplain Manager. 

Please be sure that you have taken all precautions to ensure that your property is protected and that you have Flood Insurance. In some cases in could take as long as 30 days for Flood Insurance to become effective. Don’t get caught with a storm in the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Prepare now for the possibility of a hurricane.

•        Know your homes vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

•        Determine evacuation routes for your area

•        Have an out of state friend as a family contact so your family members have a single point of contact.

•        Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

•        Stock non – perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

•        Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its batteries every 6 months.

•        Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 – 7 days

•        Food – at least enough for 3 – 7 days, non perishable packaged or canned food, juices, foods for infants or  elderly, snack foods, non-electric can opener, cooking tools, cooking fuel, paper plates and utensils.

•        First Aid Kit – medicines, prescription drugs and

•        Toiletries – hygiene items and moisture wipes

•        Electronics – flashlights, radio, batteries, fully charged cell phone, a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

•        Important Documents – insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, social security cards and cash

•        Tools – keep a set with you during the storm

•        Other – candles, oil lamps and matches

•        If ordered to evacuate do not wait or delay your departure

•        Select an evacuation destination that is near to your home to minimize travel time.

•        If you decide to evacuate to another county or region be prepared to wait in traffic.

•        If a hotel or motel is your final destination make reservations before you leave.

•        If unable to stay with friends or family and no hotels or motels are available then as a last resort go to a shelter.

•        Retrofitting your home, five critical areas – roof, straps, shutters, doors and garage doors

•        Secure your yard – remove all outdoor furniture, swings and trash cans, take down any outdoor decorations (wind chimes, yard art), trim all tree limbs that are close to your house and remove any dead or rotten trees

•        Secure Windows – board up windows with plywood especially large windows (tape is virtually useless)

•        Secure Vehicles – park vehicles on high ground away from trees and unsecured objects

•        Document Belongings – take pictures of the inside and outside of your home as well as expensive items

•        Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations. Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines.

•        Have a current photograph.

•        Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.

•        Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal.

•        Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends or relatives out of harm’s way are all potential refuges for your pet during a hurricane.

 

During a Hurricane

•        Stay inside away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Find a safe place in your home (an interior room, closet or bathroom on the lower level).

•        Fill bathtub and cooking utensils up with water.

•        If flooding threatens your home turn off electricity at main breaker.

•        If you lose power turn off major appliances such as air conditioner and water heater to prevent a surge.

•        Do not use electrical appliances, including your computer

•        Do not go outside. If the eye passes over your area there will be a short period of calm, then the wind will rapidly increase to hurricane force.

•        Be alert for tornadoes.

 

After the Hurricane

•        Remain indoors until an official “all clear” is given.

•        Do not touch fallen or low hanging power lines. Stay away from puddles with power lines in/near them.

•        Use phones only for emergencies. Call 911 only for life threatening situations.

•        Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as down power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks etc.

•        Watch for weakened roads, bridges and tree limbs.

•        Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camp stoves or generators indoors.