Make Your Survival Plans

Determine Risk
Is your area particularly prone to hurricane activity? Your home's elevation relative to rivers, streams and dams will help you determine how you will be affected when flood levels are forecast. Contact your local National Weather Service or emergency management office to determine if you are at significant risk. They should also be able to provide details about your community's preparedness plan.

Keep Yard Clear of Debris
Loose items and debris in your yard can become projectiles in high winds. Trimming weak branches from trees will prevent them from breaking during a hurricane.

Install Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters provide maximum protection for windows and doors. If you do not have hurricane shutters, secure your windows and glass doors with precut plywood.

Clean Rain Gutters Be certain your rain gutters are clear, as hurricanes can bring prolonged heavy rain. Reinforce Garage Doors If garage doors are damaged or destroyed in a hurricane, winds can enter the structure and apply pressure that can lift the roof from your garage and house. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio The NOAA Weather Radio tone-alert lets you know when a weather watch or warning has been issued.

Make an Evacuation Plan
Make sure everyone in your family knows where to go if you need to leave. Don't wait until the last minute to make your evacuation plan.

Stock Disaster Supplies
Be sure you have adequate survival supplies that will last you several days.

Insure Your Home
Hurricane flooding is not generally covered in homeowner's policies. Look into the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

During a Hurricane Watch

Watch & Listen
Watch local television or listen to local radio or a NOAA Weather Radio for weather details in your area. Listen to instructions from local officials. If they tell you to evacuate, do so. They may also advise you to turn off your utilities.

Secure Your Home
Close hurricane shutters or board up windows and glass doors. Secure any outdoor objects. Turn off propane tanks to prevent fire risk. Place papers and valuables in a waterproof safety deposit box on an upper floor to prevent water damage. Unplug appliances to prevent damage in the event of an electrical surge.

Fill Your Vehicle's Gas Tank You may be caught in traffic if you need to evacuate. Be sure you have adequate fuel. Turn Down Freezer and Refrigerator Maximize the cold settings on your refrigerator and freezer. Open them only if necessary to preserve perishables in the event of a power failure.

During a Hurricane Warning

Watch & Listen
Watch local television or listen to local radio or a NOAA Weather Radio for weather details in your area. Listen to instructions from local officials. If they tell you to evacuate, do so. Keep on the lookup for tornadoes, as they can occur during a hurricane.

Stay Indoors
Unless you are advised to evacuate, remain indoors. Secure and brace all external doors and close internal doors. The safest place to be is on the first floor away from any windows or other glass. Try to put as many walls between you and the exterior of your house as possible. If possible, lie beneath a sturdy object to protect yourself from falling objects. Entering a basement or cellar can increase your risk from flooding.

Store Water
Fill sinks, bathtubs, pots, pans and other containers with water to ensure you have adequate water should local supplies become contaminated.

Unplug Appliances if Power Fails Turning off appliances in the event of a power failure will reduce damage due to an electric surge when power is restored. Remain Cautious in the Hurricane Eye The storm is not over when the hurricane eye passes over. On the contrary, the worst part of the storm occurs when the winds begin blowing in the opposite direction.

Evacuating the Area
If evacuation is advised, leave as soon as possible.

Secure Your Home
Unplug appliances, turn off power and close your main water valve. Lock your home as you leave.

Tell Someone Where You're Going
Tell somebody where you are going, when you expect to arrive and how you will get there.

Bring Emergency Supplies
Be sure to bring your several days worth of predetermined emergency supplies.

Drive Cautiously
Give yourself adequate time, as the roads will probably be crowded. Avoid roadways that have become flooded. Try to leave during daylight if possible.