Hurricane season just began and it’s important to be ready. Follow these hurricane safety tips to prepare for a coming storm.
Step 1: Have a disaster kit
Your disaster kit should include various items ready for use in a moment’s notice. Items you want in your kit include:
- Nonperishable food items.
- Water — at least 1 gallon daily per person for three to seven days.
- Battery powered or hand-crank radio.
- Flashlights and batteries.
- Important documents — this includes Social Security cards, birth certificates, diplomas, titles or deeds to property and insurance policies.
- Extra cash — count on the power being out a day or two.
- Over-the-counter medicine.
- Telephones — fully charged with extra batteries.
- Clothing — seasonal, rain gear and sturdy shoes.
- Pet care items — proper identification, immunization records, medications, food and water, carrier and leash.
Step 2: Make a plan
It is important to have a plan when a hurricane strikes. Questions that should be answered include, “Where will we ride out the storm?” “What will we do with our pets?” and “What is our evacuation plan if we need to leave suddenly?” Once you know when a hurricane is expected to make landfall, you will also want to do various things around your home and business.
- Cover all windows with plywood or use hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
- Bring in outdoor furniture or any-thing that can become a projectile.
- Keep all trees and shrubs trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
- Turn off utilities as instructed.
- Install a generator.
- Fuel all vehicles.
Step 3: Have a place to go
If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, don’t wait until the last minute and be prepared to be in heavy traffic. Choose an evacuation destination closest to your home. If your evacuation destination is a hotel, be sure you have reservations before you leave.
While we’re in hurricane season, watches and warnings will be issued. It is important to understand the difference between the two and the hurricane category scale. A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate and monitor local news. A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. There are five categories of hurricanes. Each category is based on its wind speed, central pressure and damage potential.
Consider flood insurance
Hurricanes cause heavy rains, which can mean extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration website at www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-2419.
For more hurricane safety tips, visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes or call (800) 333-4636 [FED INFO].
