Hurricane Tracking Blog

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