Be Prepared

• Have a plan for you and your family.
• Know the hurricane risks in your area - learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn about local sheltering plans, including the location of official shelters.
• Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
• Have at least a one-week supply of medications on hand.
• 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.
• Review your insurance policy.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Make plans noon 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.
• Individuals with special needs or others requiring more information should contact their County Emergency Management Office.

Have a Plan

• Contact your local National Weather Service office or Emergency Management office to learn what types of disasters could occur and how you should respond.
• Learn the warning signals and evacuation plans of your community.
• Know your community's sheltering plans.
• Know the Emergency Alert System radio and television stations in your area that will carry official information. Additionally, monitor National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio broadcasts, if possible.
• 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
    • 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.
• Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
• 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.
• Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance.
• Inventory household items with photographs.
• 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.
• 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?
• Post emergency telephone numbers by phones.
• Teach all family members, including children, how and when to call 911 or your local emergency medical services (EMS) phone number.