Before

Preparing for a hurricane:

• Be ready to drive up to fifty miles inland to a safe place.
• Family members should know how to turn off gas, electricity and water.
• To protect you windows use 1/2 inch plywood cut to fit for each window. Be sure to mark which board fits which window.
• Pre-drill holes every 12 to 18 inches for screws.
• Develop a plan in case family members are seperated. (Planning how to get back together.)
• Out of state relative or friend as a family contact that all family members can call if seperated. (be sure all family members have the name, address and telephone number).

Stock emergency supplies:

• Be sure you have the following basic supplies on hand and in an accessible location.
• Flashlight and batteries (long-life alkaline batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• Portable radio and extra batteries (long-life batteries; store in a cool dry place).
• First aid kit and handbook.
• Enough drinkable water for each family member for at least three days: allow 1 gallon per person per day.
• Emergency food for at least three days: allow 3 meals per person per day.
• Required medications.
• Blankets, warm clothes, gloves and hard shoes.
• Pipe or crescent wrenches to turn off gas and water supplies.

During

During a hurricane watch:

• Review evacuation plan
• Check emergency supplies
• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Fuel car
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
• Store drinking water in clean jugs and bottles.
• Store all valubles and personal papers in waterproof containers.

During a hurricane warning:

• Listen to a battery operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports
• Stay inside and away from all windows and glass doors.
• Keep flashlights and extra batteries close at hand.

If officials indicate evacuation:

• Leave as soon as possible
• Avoid flooded roads and stay away from all washed out bridges.
• Turn off electricity and main water valve.
• Inform emergency contact where you are going
• Take pre-assembled emergency supplies with you.

After

Check for injuries:

• Help injured or trapped persons without endangering yourself.
• Give first aid where needed.
• Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger.
• Cover injured persons with blankets to keep them warm.

Be informed:

• Listen to radio or television for official information
• Return home only after officials advise that it is safe.
• Avoid fallen power lines.
• Enter home with caution - animals are driven to higher ground by flood water.

Check for the following potential risks:

• Gas leaks. Shut off the main gas valve if you suspect or identify the odor of natural gas.
• Damaged electrical wiring. Shut off power at the control box if there is any damage to your house wiring. (if you have to step in water call an electrician)
• Check for sewage and water line damage.

Educate:

• What is a hurricane WATCH? When there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-46 hours.
• What is a hurricane WARNING? When winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.

Source: FEMA