Hurricane Preparation Tips
Are you prepared for a hurricane? Here are some useful hurricane preparation tips.
1) DON’T WAIT
Some important things to do before a hurricane reaches where you are:
• Look over your insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
• Check the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Make an inventory of your possessions.
• Photograph your house and all the rooms inside for insurance purposes.
• Make sure roofing is properly fastened and secure – make all the necessary repairs.
• Obtain lumber, plywood, and concrete nails for battening up.
• Know your evacuation route.
• Organize a place to meet with your family should you become separated during the storm.
• Clear your yard and drains of debris.
• Prune tree limbs that are close to your house. They can cause damage to your home or utility wires during a storm.
• Find a place to move your boat in an emergency.
• If your home is at risk, plan in advance where you will stay. Call the community / town / city disaster coordinator for the location of the nearest shelter.
• If you need transportation to a public shelter due to special needs – such as age, physical disability, or mental disorder, register in advance with the nearest disaster preparedness office.
2) THE HURRICANE LOOMS
What To Do If A Hurricane WATCH Is Issued
• Listen to weather updates.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools.
• Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
• Elevate furniture or relocate them to higher floor to protect from flooding.
• Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
What To Do If A Hurricane WARNING Is Issued
• Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
• Stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
• Obey evacuation order, if issued.
• Park your car in a place that will be safest from falling trees and utility poles.
• If you are in a high-rise, know the location of the nearest stairway. Don’t use the elevator.
• Batten down windows and doors with shutters or lumber. Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest level. Freeze water in plastic containers.
• Sanitize bathtubs and fill with water.
• Wrap important papers (passports, birth certificates, etc.) in plastic or in waterproof containers and store in a safe room.
3) HURRICANE EVACUATION
Storm Surge Evacuation Tips
• Minimize the distance you must travel to reach a safe location.
• Select the nearest possible evacuation destination, preferably within your local area, and map out your route.
• Choose the home of the closest friend or relative outside of the vulnerable area.
• Contact your local emergency management office to register or get information.
• Prepare your home prior to leaving by boarding up all doors and windows, securing or moving indoors all yard objects, and turning off all utilities.
• Before leaving, fill your car with gas and withdraw extra money from the ATM.
• Take all prescription medicines and special medical items, such as glasses and diapers.
• If your family evacuation plan includes a boat or trailer, leave early.
• If you are ordered by local officials to evacuate, do so as quickly as possible. Don’t delay.
• Stay tuned to a local radio or television station.
4) GOING TO A STORM SHELTER
• Check with disaster coordinator for available shelters in your area.
• Find out about adequate amenities/facilities at shelter ahead of time.
• Carry enough food and water for three days. Don’t expect to be fed by emergency crew.
• Take with you medication, first-aid kit and change of clothes.
• Wear comfortable footwear such as sneakers or water boots if flooding is likely.
• Also take blanket, pillow and sleeping bag.
5) FAMILY EMERGENCY PLAN
• Assign roles/responsibilities for hurricane preparedness and evacuation to each member of the household long before actual storm
• Establish an evacuation plan and map out exit strategy and route.
• Review emergency plans monthly.
• Ensure all doors and windows are properly secured to make break-ins difficult.
• Alert parish disaster coordinator and police when evacuating premises.
• Place furniture on raised platform, e.g. building blocks, to prevent flood damage.
• If not carrying all important documents, such as passports and ID cards, lock them in a watertight container.
6) DISASTER SUPPLIES
• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day) and ready to eat non-perishable foods, such as tuna, sardines, tinned sausage, crackers and canned fruit
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Medication
• Important documents, including passports, birth certificates, insurance policies
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members
• Change of clothes for everyone
• Emergency tools
• Extra set of home and car keys
• Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra batteries for hearing aids
• Matches, candles and hurricane lamps
• Bleach and other cleansers
• Tissue, soap, sanitary napkins
• Disposable cups, plates and utensils
• Large plastic trash bags
• Containers for water storage
• Coal or oil stove, grill
• Portable cooler
• 100 feet rope
• Tape
• Blankets and towels
• Mosquito repellent
• Tarpaulin
