Prepare your home:

Before hurricane season, assess how to make your home more secure:

• Buy hurricane shutters, which provide the best protection for windows, or cut and pre-drill 5/8” marine plywood to board up windows. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install hurricane straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
  • Reinforce double-entry doors.
  • Reinforce or replace garage doors.
  • Secure siding.
  • Anchor fuel tanks.
  • Raise or flood-proof HVAC equipment.
• Check insurance coverage—flooding is not covered by regular homeowner's insurance. Separate flood insurance may be available. Document valuables by photographing them, recording serial numbers, and keeping receipts.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home and remove dead branches.
• Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat, RV, and other large items that cannot be put in your garage.
• Secure all loose yard items like lawn furniture, BBQ grills, bird baths, trash cans, planters, awnings, etc.

Emergency Supply Kit (for home):

• Water (1 gallon per person for 3-7 days, extra for pets).
• Non-perishable food (3-7 day supply) and can opener.
• Disposable utensils, plates, cups.
• Radio (battery powered or hand-crank) and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.
• Important family papers (insurance policies, identification, bank records) in waterproof container.
• Checkbook, , credit card, cash (banks and ATMs may be closed for extended periods).
• Items for unique family needs (prescription medications, infant formula and diapers, pet food, etc.).
• Flashlight and batteries.
• First aid kit.
• Fire extinguisher.
• Disinfectant or household chlorine bleach. Dilute 9 parts water to 1 part bleach for disinfectant, add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water to treat drinking water. Do not use scented, color-safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape.

If you are not evacuating:

• Listen to radio or TV for information.
• Close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Check and replenish your Emergency Supply Kit.
• If instructed to do shut off electricity, gas, propane, and water at main switches and valves.
  • Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, such as radios, televisions and small appliances like toasters and microwaves.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Do not go out in hazardous conditions such as high winds or heavy surf.
• Do not drive through or play in flooded areas.
• Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water to ensure water for sanitary purposes such as flushing toilets and cleaning.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed.
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm and 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.
• If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles (fire hazard).
• DO NOT use barbecue grills inside (danger of carbon monoxide poisoning).
• Do not call fire or police departments for information. Emergency workers need their lines for emergency use. If you need special help, call your local Emergency Management Office.
• After the storm passes, check for gas leaks and damage to electrical, water, and sewer lines. If you turned the gas off, do NOT turn it back on yourself—call the gas company.

If you are inland:

• Keep up-to-date on the weather; high winds, tornadoes, and floods often occur when a hurricane moves inland.
• Be especially careful around flooded areas. Do not drive through or play in them.
• Have a disaster supplies kit and an emergency communication plan on hand. Even if hurricanes are unlikely in your area, they can travel for hundreds of miles inland and their remnants can bring flooding rains and tornadoes. Having a plan and extra supplies can also be helpful in case of other disasters, such as winter storms, earthquakes, etc.

Preparing to evacuate:

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes 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 inland waterway.
• If you feel you are in danger.

What to do if asked/told to evacuate

• Listen to radio or TV and follow local evacuation instructions.
• Check and replenish your Emergency Supply Kit (below).
• Fill your car's gas tank if an evacuation seems likely. Gas stations may be closed during emergencies and unable to pump gas during power outages.
• Gather all persons in the household together.
• Call household members so you know everyone's status. People outside the area may not be able to return home during an evacuation.  They may be directed to a reception center or shelter where you can join them.
• Call or email the “out-of-state” contact in your family communications plan, and tell them where you are going.
• Wear sturdy shoes and clothing that provide some protection, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and a cap.
• Protect your house.
• Cover outside windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.
• Move valuable items to inner rooms or upper floors.
• Secure all loose yard items like lawn furniture, BBQ grills, bird baths, trash cans, planters, awnings, etc.
• Close curtains and shades.
• If there is damage to your home and/or you are instructed to do so, shut off electricity, gas, propane, and water at main switches and valves. Otherwise:
• Leave freezers and refrigerators plugged in unless there is a risk of flooding. Turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Unplug unnecessary electrical equipment, such as radios, televisions and small appliances like toasters and microwaves.
• Turn off lights.
• Close and lock windows and doors.
• Take only one car per family to reduce congestion and delay.
• Ask neighbors if they need assistance; offer to share transportation.
• Notify others when you are leaving and where you plan to go.
• Take pets, but understand that only service animals may be permitted in public shelters.
• If you need a ride, go with a neighbor or contact your local Emergency Management Office.
• Load your Emergency Supply Kit and all who are travelling together and leave.
• Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.
• Follow recommended evacuation routes; do not take shortcuts because they may be blocked. Become familiar with alternate routes.
• Be alert for washed-out roads and bridges and do not drive into flooded areas.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Do not call fire or police departments for information. Emergency workers need their lines for emergency use. If you need special help, call your local Emergency Management Office.

Evacuation Supply Kit

• Important family papers (insurance policies, identification, bank records) in waterproof container.
• Checkbook, , credit card, cash (banks and ATMs may be closed for extended periods).
• Sleeping bag or blanket, pillows, towels.
• Water (1 gallon per person for 3-7 days).
• Non-perishable food (3-7 day supply), cooking tools, fuel, can opener.
• Disposable utensils, plates, cups.
• Radio (battery powered or hand-crank) and NOAA Weather Radio with extra batteries.
• Cell phone and charger.
• Extra clothes, including rain gear.
• Hygiene articles (moist towelettes, garbage bags, paper towels, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.).
• Items for unique family needs (prescription medications, medical records, infant formula and diapers, etc.).
• Pet care items.
  • Identification/immunization records.
  • Ample supply of food and water.
  • Carrier or cage.
• Medications.
• Muzzle and leash.
• Games, toys, favorite stuffed animal or blanket, books, crayons, and paper.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• First aid kit.

If you are returning home after evacuating:

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid floodwaters.
  • In addition to being a drowning hazard, water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
• Walk carefully around the outside.
  • Check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
  • f you have any doubts about safety, have your home inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings; there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
  • Do not enter if:
    • You smell gas.
    • Floodwaters remain around the building.
    • Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
• Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. Here are things to check inside your home:
  • Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside. Call the gas company from a neighbor's residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, a professional must turn it back on . Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
  • Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they're safe to use. You may want to have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
  • Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
  • Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.
  • Water and sewage systems. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking.
  • Your basement . If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
  • Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.
• Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages, and keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. Don't drink water from a well that has flooded unless the water has been tested and shown to be safe to drink.
  • If water is unsafe, use bottled water not exposed to flood waters.
  • If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with a cover.
  • If boiling water is not possible, disinfect it by adding 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach to 1 gallon water. Stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. (If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths or allow it to settle, and draw off the clear water before adding bleach.)
• Throw out all food and other supplies that may have spoiled or come in contact with floodwater.
  • All-metal, non-damaged canned food can be used if the cans are cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized in a solution of 1 tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon water for 15 minutes. Labels should be removed prior to cleaning, and the cans should be relabeled afterwards.
  • Thoroughly wash, rinse, and sanitize (using a solution of 1 tablespoon household bleach in 1 gallon of water) all pans, dishes, utensils (including can openers), and countertops.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.