Be Prepared & Have a Plan
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.
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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.
- Pick two places to meet:
- 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.
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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.