Determine Your Risk
The threats from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on where you live. It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the storms. hurricanes.gov/prepare
Develop Your Evacuation Plan
Take some time to make sure you have a hurricane evacuation plan. The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about.
Assemble Disaster Supplies
Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a LONG recovery period too. Water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water, and medicine to last each person in your family for a MINIMUM of three days. Also make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. ready.gov/kit
Get an Insurance Checkup
Today, call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home...and remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. floodsmart.gov. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Strengthen Your Home
If you plan to ride out a hurricane in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Have the proper plywood, steel, or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds. flash.org/protect.php
Help Your Neighbor
Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes: ready.gov/neighbors
Complete a Written Plan
The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before a storm is upon you. Once you’re under pressure, having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared now will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. ready.gov/make-a-plan
After the Storm: Cleaning Up
Be careful when cleaning up after a hurricane. Cleanup slowly, taking lots of breaks to avoid straining your body. Be very careful with chainsaws and other power tools. Make sure to stay safe in the heat by staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade or AC. weather.gov/safety/hurricane-after
After the Storm: Hazards Remain
Hurricane dangers remain ever after the skies turn blue. Watch out for downed power lines and damaged buildings. Avoid floodwaters as they can hide a variety of dangers, and never drive through them, as it doesn’t take much to sweep your car away. weather.gov/safety/hurricane-after
Small Decisions
Some hurricane preparations, such as strengthening your home, can be significant efforts. But there are also small decisions that, if made, could save your life. Small decisions like keeping your gas tank full, looking up your evacuation zone, or having a long extension cord for your generator can end up making a big impact when the storm hits. weather.gov/safety/hurricane
Hurricanes Can Escalate Quickly
Did you know that the Category 5 hurricanes that have struck the United States were much weaker tropical storms just 72 hours prior? Storms can intensify surprisingly quickly — stay Weather-Ready by being prepared well ahead of time. weather.gov/wrn/hurricane-preparedness
Hurricanes Watch vs Warning
A Hurricane WATCH is when hurricane force winds are POSSIBLE within 48 hours. A Hurricane WARNING is when they are EXPECTED within 36 hours. Know the difference and stay Weather-Ready! weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww
Coastal Flooding
Coastal flooding is defined as saltwater or freshwater inundation along the coast and can be caused by storm surge, onshore winds, high surf, or high astronomical tides. If coastal flooding is expected in your area, follow the advice of your local officials, and be prepared to evacuate. Do not drive through flooded roads and parking lots of unknown depth...what may look like a puddle could actually be a washed out road.
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