Hurricane Preparedness

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact so all 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. Buy extra food and litter and have extra leashes, harnesses, leads, bedding, and collars on hand. Have updated shot records handy.

Post emergency phone numbers by your phones and make sure your kids know how and when to call 911.

Check your insurance coverage.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

Use a weather radio.

Take First Aid, CPR, and disaster preparedness classes.

Have a list of all meds you and your family are taking with updated prescriptions and refills handy.

Check to make sure your emergency equipment is in good working order and that you have enough supplies to last for at least two weeks.

Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed.

If you expect to evacuate your home, plan in advance where you will stay and what supplies you will take.

Set your fridge and freezer to coldest settings when a hurricane threatens and open only when absolutely necessary.

Begin latching your shutters or installing pre-cut plywood over your windows, sliding glass doors, or French doors.

Place valuables and personal papers in waterproof containers and store them in the highest possible spot.

If you own a small boat on a trailer store it inside a garage or warehouse.