Hurricane Safety Tips - Be Prepared

• Know the hurricane risks in your area – learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn about local community's sheltering plans, including the location of official shelters.
• Pay attention to the news. Know the Emergency Alert System radio and television stations in your area that will carry official information. Also, monitor NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts, if possible.
• Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
• Have at least a one-week supply of medications on hand.
• Determine if your family has any special needs and develop a plan for meeting those needs. For example: If you have a family member on a life-support system, does your electric utility know about it? Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.
• Make plans now on what to do with your pets should you be required to evacuate your residence.  Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.
• Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local EMS phone number.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
• Discuss with family members what they should do in the event of a disaster, such as a hurricane or severe storm. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as a fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home.
• Designate an out-of-area friend or relative whom separated family members should call to report their whereabouts. Make certain all family members have the phone number.
• Install safety features in your residence such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Know how and when to turn off water, gas and electricity in your home.
• Check your home and property for potential hazards to see what actions need to be taken to ensure your safety and to protect your belongings.
• Review your insurance policy. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Inventory household items with photographs.
• Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed of dead wood.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.

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