Storm Center - Hurricane Preparations

When a hurricane watch is issued:

• Check often for official bulletins on radio and television. When a hurricane watch is issued, it means there is danger of a hurricane hitting within 36 hours.
• Gas up your car.
• Check mobile home for tie-downs.
• Moor small craft or move them to shelter.
• Stock up on canned provisions, bottled water, paper plates, and plastic eating utensils.
• Check supplies of needed medicines. Check batteries for radios, flashlights and hearing aids.
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose outdoor material.
• Board or shutter windows to prevent shattering.
• Make plans early for the special needs of elderly or handicapped family members.
• Plan for your pets, as they are not permitted in public shelters.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils.
• Get enough cash to last a few days if you evacuate; banks may be closed for several days.
• Keep up on your laundry since clean clothes will become scarce if the electricity is off for a few days.
• Keep adequate cleaning supplies on hand for cleanup and emergency repairs.
• Plan ahead to stay with relatives who live inland. If no relatives live within easy driving distance, make reservations at motels in northern areas.
• Plan the route you will take if you must leave. Have an alternate route set, too.
• Find out where the nearest shelter will be.
• If you haven't already, inventory your property. Lists and photographs will help insurance claims adjusters if you receive damage.
• Keep copies of prescriptions, deeds, driver's license, name of insurance agent, photographs or property, and other personal and important papers in a safety deposit box or a waterproof container.

When a hurricane warning is issued:

• Stay tuned to radio and television. When a hurricane warning is issued, it means there is a danger of the hurricane hitting within 24 hours.
• If an order to evacuate is issued, decide if you need to leave.

If you stay home:

• Board up garage and porch doors.
• Move valuables to upper floor.
• Bring pets inside.
• Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water.
• Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold.
• Use the phone only for an emergency.
• Stay indoors, away from windows.
• Opening the door to your attic will equalize the pressure on the roof.

If you leave:

• Leave early - in daylight, if possible.
• Evacuate to the north. Take small valuables and papers but travel light.
• Use local shelters only as a last resort.

Before you leave home:

• Opening the door to your attic will help equalize the pressure on the roof.
• Close shutters or put plywood over windows.
• Shut off water and electricity to main stations.
• Leave food and water for pets. (They are not allowed in shelters.)
• Lock up house and drive carefully.

If you use a public shelter:

• Arrive early.
• Drive up to shelter entrances to unload and park car as police instruct.
• Expect limited space at the shelter.
• Provide for your own needs, including clothes, food, baby formula, diapers, medicine, blankets, pillows, and toys for children.
• Be prepared to cope. The shelter will be crowded and noisy.
• Volunteer to help.
• Be aware that some folks, by virtue of physical or mental condition, can become disoriented in a shelter environment.
• Obey directions of the shelter management.
• Do not bring alcoholic beverages.
• Stay put until told that you may leave. People will not be allowed back in evacuated areas until advised by official public announcement.