Hurricane Safety Preparedness

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
  Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener)
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing
• Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, deeds, etc.)

When a Hurricane Watch or Warning is Issued:

• Listen to hurricane progress reports.
• Follow instructions if ordered to evacuate.
• Check your emergency supplies.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and available cooking pots.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
• Secure your home by installing hurricane shutters or precut plywood.
• Trim dead branches from trees.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings if not instructed by officials to turn off utilities.
• Fuel your car. Review evacuation routes and gather your disaster supply kit.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container.
• Review your family disaster plan.
  

Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.

NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information direct from a nearby National Weather Service Office. NWR broadcasts National Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day.

NATIONWIDE STATION LISTING (over 900 stations) using Broadcast Frequencies

MHz 162.400

MHz 162.425

MHz 162.450

MHz 162.475

MHz 162.500

MHz 162.525

MHz 162.550

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.

Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.

Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.

Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.

Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.

Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.

Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.

Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.

Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.

Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• Flashlight, portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
  Emergency food and water (including a non-electric can opener)
• Essential medicines
• Cash and credit cards
• Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing
• Copies of important papers (bank statements, insurance records, deeds, etc.)