To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following
measures:
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Know your surroundings.
• Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the
land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected
when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
• Identify levees and dams in your area and determine
whether they pose a hazard to you.
• Learn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to
find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if
you needed to evacuate.
• Make plans to secure your property.
• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters
offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows
with 5/8 of an inch exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to
install. Another year-round option would be installation of laminated glass
with impact-resistant glazing. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your
roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed
so they are more wind resistant.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it
can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
• Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations,
garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Install a generator for emergencies.
• If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present,
be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase
with height and in a small interior room without windows. When flooding may be
occuring, be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above the flooding and
wave effects.
• Consider building a safe room.
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood
damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider
flood insurance protection.
Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your
property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk
and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and
Mitigation Administration website at http://www.floodsmart.gov or call
800-427-2419.
During a hurricane
If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor
objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn
the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as
cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers
with water.
• Find out how to keep food safe during and after and
emergency (http://www.ready.gov/food).
You should evacuate under the following conditions:
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure
to follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure – such
shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened
to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are
stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river,
or on an island waterway.
Learn more about evacuating yourself and your family at
http://www.ready.gov/evacuating-yourself-and-your-family. If you are unable to
evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these
guidelines:
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows
and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external
doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there
is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on
the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Avoid elevators.
After a hurricane
• Continue listening to a NOAA weather radio or the local
news for the latest updates.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding
even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• If you have become separated from your family, use your
family communications plan or contact the American Red Cross at
800-RED-CROSS/800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well
website at http://www.safeandwell.org
• The American Red Cross also maintains a database to help
you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are
staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it
is safe.
• If you cannot return home and have immediate housing
needs. Text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest
shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
• For those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers
several types of assistance to help people repair their homes and find replacement
housing. Apply for assistance (http://www.fema.gov/) or search for information
about housing rental resources (https://asd.fema.gov/inter/hportal/home.htm).
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and
washed-out bridges. Watch for fallen objects, downed electrical wires and
weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report
them immediately to the power company.
• Walk carefully around the outside of your home and check
for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
• Stay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters
remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire.
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage,
both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes. If you have any
doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building
inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Use battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do not use
candles. (Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering –
the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.)
• Watch your pets closely and keep them under your direct
control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick
to poke through debris.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you
are sure it’s not contaminated.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw
it out.
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up
to avoid injury.
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
• Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces,
sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for
ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these
areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.