Hurricane Preparedness

"Preventing the loss of life and minimizing the damage to property from hurricanes are responsibilities that are shared by all." - National Hurricane Center

This hurricane preparedness information has been provided regarding actions that you can take based on specific hurricane hazards. Being informed and prepared is the most important thing that you can do to prepare for a hurricane. Disaster prevention includes both being prepared and reducing damages.

Hurricane Preparedness means:

• Develop a Family Plan
• Create a Disaster Supply Kit
• Emergency Equipment Available and Accessible
• Have a Place to Go if necessary
• Secure your Home
• Have a Pet Plan

In the event of an impending hurricane, one of the most important decisions you will make is "Should I Evacuate?"

If you are asked to evacuate by emergency managers, you should do so without delay. It is unlikely that emergency managers will ask you to evacuate unless you live in a low-lying or coastal area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing. It is very important to have a plan in place for you and your family that makes you as safe as possible in your home in the event of a hurricane.

There are local web sites that can give you information about your community’s vulnerability to specific hazards. These include hurricanes as well as other weather related hazards. Local news channels and newspaper websites usually have detailed geo-specific information available and are a good place to start.

Hurricane Preparedness includes:

• Modify your home to strengthen it against storms so that you can be as safe as possible.
  
• Have ample supplies and emergency equipment on hand to weather the storm and any residual effects.

The suggestions provided here are only guides. You should use common sense in your disaster prevention / hurricane preparedness.

• DEVELOP A FAMILY PLAN - Your family's plan should be based on your vulnerability to the Hurricane Hazards. Keep a written plan and share your plan with family and friends that may be affected.

• CREATE A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT - The disaster supply kit is a useful tool when you evacuate as well as making you as safe as possible in your home. There are certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane.

• EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT - There is emergency equipment that is available that will increase your family's security, help ease your comfort levels and save money should you experience a hurricane. Make sure you have this on hand and in good operating condition.

• SECURE YOUR HOME - There are several things that you can do to make your home more secure and better able to withstand stronger storms.

• A PET PLAN - Don't forget about family pets. Make plans for where they will stay during a hurricane, how you will care for them, what you will need if you are going to shelter them and what you will need to have for them if you all evacuate.