Know What a Hurricane Watch and Warning Mean:
Hurricane Watch—Hurricane
conditions are a threat within 36 hours. Review your hurricane
plans, keep
informed and be
ready to act if a warning is issued.
Hurricane Warning—Hurricane
conditions are expected within 24 hours. Complete your storm
preparations
and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.
What Should I Do?
-
Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical
information from the National Weather Service
-
Check your disaster supplies and replace or
restock as needed.
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Bring in anything that can be picked up by the
wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
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Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters.
If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and
board up all windows and doors with plywood.
-
Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the
coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible
so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
-
Turn off propane tanks and unplug small
appliances.
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Fill your car’s gas tank.
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Talk with members of your household and create
an evacuation plan. Planning and practicing
your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the
event.
-
Learn about your community’s hurricane
response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register
family members with special medical needs as required and make
plans for your pets to be cared for.
-
Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful
to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
-
Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t
cover flooding, it’s important to have protection
from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms,
heavy rains and other conditions that
impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance,
please visit the National Flood Insurance
Program Web site at
www.fema.gov/business/nfip.
What Supplies Do I Need?
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Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per
person per day
-
Food—at least a 3-day supply of
non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
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Flashlight
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Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA
Weather Radio, if possible)
-
Extra batteries
-
First aid kit
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Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
(hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact
lenses, syringes, cane)
-
Multi-purpose tool
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Sanitation and personal hygiene items
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Copies of personal documents (medication list
and pertinent medical information, proof of
address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates,
insurance policies)
-
Cell phone with chargers
-
Family and emergency contact information
-
Extra cash
-
Emergency blanket
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Map(s) of the area
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Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food,
diapers)
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Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food,
carrier, bowl)
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Tools/supplies for securing your home
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Extra set of car keys and house keys
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Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
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Rain gear
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Insect repellent and sunscreen
-
Camera for photos of damage
What Should I Do 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 evacuated, return home only when
officials say it is safe.
-
Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded
roads and washed-out bridges.
-
Keep away from loose or dangling power lines
and report them immediately to the power
company.
-
Stay out of any building that has water around
it.
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Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of
damage, both of the building and its contents, for
insurance purposes.
-
Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use
candles.
-
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.
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Wear protective clothing and be cautious when
cleaning up to avoid injury.
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Watch animals closely and keep them under your
direct control.
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Use the telephone only for emergency calls.
