Make a strategy.
In the North Pacific, hurricane season begins on May 15, and in the Atlantic and Caribbean, it begins on June 1. It will be over on November 30th. Make sure you and your family are ready for hurricane season each year by planning ahead.
Make a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it on the fridge or near every phone in your home. You should also program them into your phone.
Prepare a disaster supply kit.
Determine the location of the nearest shelter and the various routes that can be taken to get there from your home. Learn how to find shelter locations in your area if they haven’t been identified external icon in the event of a storm.
Owners of pets: Prepare a list of shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative to take your pets if you need to evacuate. If you are asked to evacuate your home, local animal shelters may be able to provide guidance on what to do with your pets.
Gather supplies in case of an emergency.
You may require supplies during and after a hurricane to keep your family safe and healthy. Keep in mind that a hurricane could knock out your power and water. You can potentially be unable to drive due to vehicle damage. It’s possible that roads will be flooded or closed.
That is why it is essential to be prepared and stock up on anything you may require right now. Make sure to have the following items on hand:
A food and water supply in case of emergency.
A supply of emergency medications.
Flashlights (and extra batteries) are good emergency power sources.
Personal belongings and safety.
Medical records, wills, passports, and personal identification are all important documents.
A fire extinguisher is a device that is used to put out a fire. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to look for it and how to use it! Tips for using fire extinguishers are available from the National Fire Protection Associationexternal icon.
Know the difference between a “watch” and a “warning” for hurricanes.
On TV or radio, listen for National Weather Service alerts, or look them up online. There are two types of warnings:
A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 miles per hour [mph] or greater) are possible in a particular area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they predict tropical-storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to commence.
A hurricane warning is a much more hazardous situation. It denotes the presence of hurricane-force winds in a certain area. To give residents enough time to prepare for the storm, experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical storm-force winds are forecast in the area.
Check out the National Weather Service’s Hurricane Centerexternal symbol for additional information on hurricane watches and warnings. If you learn that your location is under a hurricane watch or warning, you can take actions to prepare.
Prepare your vehicle.
Before the storm arrives, make sure your car is ready.
Fill up the gas tank of your car.
Cars and trucks should be parked in your garage or beneath cover.
Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times.
For more information on how to prepare your car and what to include in your kit, go to Ready.govexternal symbol.
If you don’t have a car, make plans with friends or relatives to receive a ride or phone authorities for assistance if you need to escape.
Prepare your family and pets.
Talk to your family about your emergency plan.
Keep an eye out for updates on the storm. Listen to the radio, watch TV, or go online.
Special needs should be reported to the hospital, the public health department, or the police. Get guidance on what to do if you or a loved one is older or incapacitated and won’t be able to depart immediately.
Place pets and farm animals in a secure location. Learn more about how to keep your pet safe in an emergency.
Prepare your home.
Clear the space in your yard. Make sure nothing will blow around and cause damage to your home during the storm. Bike racks, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and construction materials should all be moved inside or under cover.
Windows and doors should be covered. To protect your windows, use storm shutters or nail plywood pieces to the outside window frames. This can protect you from shards of shattered glass.
Prepare to turn off the power. If you see flooding or downed power lines, or if you need to leave your home, turn off the electricity.
Fill clean water containers halfway with water to drink. You should do this in case your water supply goes down during the storm. You can also use water to wash in your sinks and bathtubs.
To avoid CO poisoning, check the battery in your carbon monoxide (CO) detector.
Prepare to either flee or remain at home.
Always follow the advice of authorities when deciding whether to evacuate or stay at home.
If a storm is approaching, authorities may issue an evacuation order (leave your home). Never disobey an evacuation order. Even the most well-built dwellings may not be able to withstand a storm. It is not worth risking your health and safety to stay at home to protect your property.
You might hear a command to return home. If driving conditions are hazardous, staying at home may be a better option than going out.
If you need to evacuate, follow these steps:
Take only what you absolutely need from your emergency supply kit (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or license, and cash).
Disconnect all of your appliances. Turn off the gas, electricity, and water if you have the time.
Even if there is traffic, take the roads that emergency personnel recommend. Other routes may be impassable or flooded. Cars and other vehicles can be washed away or stall in just 6 inches of rushing water, so never drive through flooded regions.
Inquire with your local emergency management office about lodging options for owners and their pets. Find out information about evacuating your pet.
If you have to stay at home, do the following:
Keep your emergency supplies kit in a convenient location.
Updates on the hurricane can be found on the radio or on television.
Stay in the house. Don’t go outside, even if it appears to be calm.
Wait until you hear or see an official message from the hurricane center indicating the storm has passed. In the middle of a storm, the weather can become calm, but it swiftly deteriorates.
During a storm, stay away from windows to avoid being injured by broken glass or flying debris. Stay inside a closet or in a room with no windows.
Prepare to depart. You may need to go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house if emergency authorities order you to leave or if your home is damaged.