Remember:
A hurricane watch means a hurricane is within 36 hours of the areas designated by authorities.
A hurricane warning means a hurricane is within 24 hours of of the areas designated by authorities.
Should you find yourself facing either, stop what you are doing and prepare:
1. Find out what services your community has: storm shelters, evacuation routes, warning systems and so on. You may need them.
2. Secure possible hazards around your home. Bring in potted plants and grills. Hurricanes can turn them into missiles. Don’t forget to board up windows and to secure any exposed areas of your home which could be damaged by flying debris.
3. Know how to cut of your power.
4. Turn off water and natural gas in your home if you evacuate.
5. Get a fire extinguisher and make sure everyone knows how to use it.
6. Locate all of your important documents and papers, such as stock certificates and bonds. Consider using Archive (a service of Pameno Platinum Protection to store them online.
7. Save emergency numbers in your cellphone. Consider registering with Notify in the event that normal lines of communication are overwhelmed.
8. Make sure to accommodate all persons in your home with special needs.
9. Don’t forget to plan for your pets in case a hurricane comes! Many shelters and hotels will not take them in.
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Stock Up on Supplies:
Your home should be well stocked with supplies in the event of a hurricane.
• Secure 3-5 days of water per person (that’s five gallons of water per person, per day).
• You will also need 3 to 5 days of non-perishable food.
• Diapers / baby food
• A first aid kit
• Prescription medication
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight
• Don’t forget batteries!
• Sleeping bags / blankets
• Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
• Baby wipes or other disposable cleaning wipes.
• Hygeine supplies: tampons, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
• An emergency kit for the automobile.
• Or, you can buy an emergency kit.
Evacuation Prep:
Once a hurricane watch is issued you will want to have everything ready and have a plan in place. Bear in mind that even if you don't have to evacuate, you will still likely encounter severe weather and it will make recovery much easier for you.
• Fill up your gas tank and prepare your car for evacuation.
• Make arrangements with friends or family if you have no car of you own.
• Fill up your water containers.
• Review your emergency plans and supplies.
• Turn on the TV to monitor the weather. Be familiar with the Saffir-Simpson scale.
• Prepare an emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc.
• Secure any items outside which may damage property in a storm, such as bicycles, grills, propane tanks, etc.
• Cover windows and doors securely with plywood or boards if you don't have storm shutters.
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If Evacuation Is Ordered:
Never ignore an evacuation order. People die every year from ignoring evacuation orders from authorities.
• Take only what you need, but be sure to bring things you need to pass the time in the car.
• Shut off your gas, electricity, and water.
• Make sure your car emergency kit is ready.
• Expect heavy traffic and long delays.
If Evacuation Is Not Ordered:
Most injuries during a hurricane are cuts caused by flying debris. Exposed nails, glass and metal also are a concern.
• Keep up with the situation by TV or radio, It could change.
• Avoid going outside. The “eye” of a hurricane is very calm and could pass quickly, leaving you in a very dire situation.
• Avoid windows and exterior doors, which could give way.
• Be ready to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house if need be. Likewise, be ready to let your neighbors wait it out with you! Hurricanes can often spare one structure and wipe out one right next to it.
• Keep your family and friends occupied with games and other indoor activities to keep stress down and spirits up.
