Hurricane Check List

• Know the hurricane risks for your area. Find out if your home is subject to storm surge flooding. How? Contact your local emergency management office or planning office.
• Inspect your property for potential problems that may arise during a hurricane. Trim back dead branches from trees, and take note of any objects that may become airborne during high winds.
• Consider installing permanent protection for your windows. At the very least, go to your local hardware store or lumber yard and get the plywood that you will need for each window that you want protected. Look for more information about assembling your plywood window protection. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. We'll have expert advice posted here in April!
• If you have a boat, plan ahead where you will put it in case of a weather emergency.
• Investigate flood insurance. Check out the NFIP by clicking here.
• Inventory your property, inside and out, by making a list, making a video or whatever means you can to know what you own. Store such information in a safety deposit box or other secure, dry location. You may need this list and information if your home or property is damaged by any severe weather.
• Devise an emergency communications plan with your family so that you will know what to do in case you are separated during a hurricane emergency. Often, children are at school, moms and dads are working and there will be a need for knowing who is where and how to get everyone together as a family to begin preparations.
• Make sure that family members know how to respond during a hurricane emergency. Teach them how and when to turn off gas, electricity and water.
• Plan your evacuation route to an area well inland. This plan should include information about the safest routes and nearby emergency shelters. Check on how long it will take to reach your safe zone during peak evacuation traffic. Contact your local emergency management office for more information about your local evacuation routes and issues.
• Make advance arrangements for pets. Emergency shelters and most hotees/motels cannot allow pets. Ask your vet about suggestions on where to shelter your pet during a hurricane event.
• Consider purchasing UV resistant tarps and other tools that may be needed to make temporary repairs in the aftermath of a hurricane.
• Gather your disaster supplies. Prepare for the worst, get enough applicable supplies to last for at least three (3) days. Supplies such as:
• Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs.
• Battery operated, NOAA Weather Radio that is portable.
• First aid kit with manual on how to use it. Read the manual now.
• Non-perishable foods and containers.
• Containers for your water supply.
• Non-electric can opener.
• Any essential medicines- make sure prescriptions are up to date.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Any baby/infant needs.
• Sleeping bags, blankets, warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

These preparedness tips will get you started and are meant to be completed before a hurricane threatens. And should a hurricane threaten, stay tuned every so often to television and radio reports of any possible tropical cyclone activity. We do have advanced warning of hurricanes and tropical storms, but they can seemingly pop up in a matter of days and be a threat before you know it. Now is the time to take basic preparations to protect life and property. Again, for more information concerning your local hurricane issues, contact your area emergency management office.