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FEMA.gov
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Before
the Storm
Here's
what you can do to prepare for such an emergency.
Hurricane
WATCH and Hurricane WARNING:
WATCH: Hurricane
conditions are possible in the specified
area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.
WARNING: Hurricane
conditions are expected in the specified
area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.
Prepare
a Personal Evacuation Plan
Identify
ahead of time where you could go if you are told
to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's
home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
Keep
handy the telephone numbers of these places as well
as a road map of your locality. You may need to take
alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are
closed or clogged.
Listen
to NOAA Weather
Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation
instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
Take these items
with you when evacuating:
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Prescription
medications and medical supplies;
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Bedding
and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
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Bottled
water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries,
first aid kit, flashlight
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Car
keys and maps
Documents,
including driver's license, Social Security card,
proof of residence, insurance policies, wills,
deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records,
etc.
Assemble
a Disaster Supplies Kit Including:
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First
aid kit and essential medications.
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Canned
food and can opener.
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At
least three gallons of water per person.
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Protective
clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
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Battery-powered
radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
-
Special
items for infants, elderly, or disabled family
members.
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Written
instructions on how to turn off electricity,
gas and water if authorities advise you to do
so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to
turn them back on.)
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Install
hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor
plywood boards for each window of
your home. Install anchors for the
plywood and predrill
holes in the plywood so that you
can put it up quickly.
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Make
trees more wind resistant by removing
diseased
and damaged limbs, then strategically
removing branches so that wind
can
blow through.
Know
what to do when a Hurricane WATCH is
issued
Listen
to NOAA Weather
Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date
storm information.
Prepare
to bring inside any lawn furniture,
outdoor decorations or ornaments,
trash cans, hanging plants,
and anything else that can
be picked up by the wind.
Prepare
to cover all windows of your
home. If shutters have not
been installed, use precut
plywood as described above. Note: Tape
does not prevent windows from
breaking, so taping windows
is not recommended.
Fill
your car's gas tank.
Recheck
manufactured home tie-downs.
Check
batteries and stock up on canned
food, first aid supplies, drinking
water, and medications.
Know
what to do when a Hurricane WARNING is issued
Listen
to the advice of local
officials, and leave
if they tell you to do
so.
Complete
preparation activities.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
Be
aware that the calm "eye" is
deceptive; the storm is not
over. The worst
part of the storm will happen
once
the eye passes over
and the winds
blow from the opposite direction.
Trees, shrubs,
buildings, and
other objects damaged by the
first winds can
be broken or destroyed by
the second winds.
Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane
and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of
your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
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