Hurricane Preparedness

Preparation Steps

Start preparing at least 72 hours before a hurricane is forecast to arrive.

• Know your zone. Locate your area's hurricane evacuation zones and your nearest shelter.
• Build a go-bag. Pack water (1 gallon/person/day for 3+ days), non-perishable food, medications, documents, cash, phone chargers, and a flashlight.
• Secure your home. Board windows with plywood or install hurricane shutters. Bring outdoor furniture inside. Clear gutters and drains.
• Fuel up. Fill your vehicle's gas tank and store extra fuel in approved containers.
• Charge all devices. Charge phones, battery banks, and radios fully.
• Know your evacuation route. Identify two routes out of your area in case one is blocked.
• Contact family. Agree on a family communication plan and a meeting point outside the flood zone.

Immediate Actions

When a hurricane warning is issued for your area:

1. Monitor alerts. Tune to local radio, NOAA Weather Radio, or your emergency alert app.
2. Evacuate if ordered. Do not wait. Follow evacuation routes immediately.
3. If sheltering in place: Move to an interior room on the lowest floor above flood level. Stay away from windows.
4. Do not go outside during the eye of the storm — the calm is temporary.
5. Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities or if flooding is imminent.
6. Stay off roads. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down; 12 inches can carry away a small vehicle.

What to Avoid

• Do not shelter under a bridge or overpass. Wind speeds are higher in gaps.
• Never drive through flooded roads. "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
• Do not use candles for light — use battery-powered flashlights.
• Do not use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
• Do not touch downed power lines.
• Do not re-enter your home until authorities declare it safe.

Supplies Needed

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day, minimum 3-day supply
• Non-perishable food (3–7 day supply): canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit
• Manual can opener
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• First aid kit
• Flashlight + extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• Cash (ATMs may be down)
• Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, deeds) in a waterproof bag
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Duct tape and heavy-duty garbage bags
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust masks or N95 respirators

Recovery Steps

After the storm passes and authorities confirm it is safe:

• Inspect for structural damage before entering your home.
• Document all damage with photos/video for insurance claims.
• Avoid floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris.
• Check food safety. Discard anything that was in contact with floodwater or has been unrefrigerated for 4+ hours.
• Boil water until local authorities declare the tap water safe.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Watch for mold. Dry out your home within 24–48 hours; use fans and dehumidifiers.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly or disabled individuals.