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Hurricane Safety for Families

Hurricane season begins June 1st and lasts until November 30th. There are many things you can do long before a storm threatens your area. Being prepared is the first step in saving time if a hurricane watch is issued.

Before the storm:

1. Talk with your children and explain hurricane season to them. If they are informed of situations that may happen, they may be more likely to feel secure.
2. Gather important documents such as passports, birth certificates, financial documents and store in a waterproof container or zip lock. Consider storing these in a safety deposit box.
3. Photograph or videotape the valuables in your home and keep a copy with your important documents for insurance purposes.
4. Keep an emergency supply of cash on hand.
5. Store water in clean, plastic containers for each family member 1 gallan a day for at least a week.
6. Store a week's supply of canned and non-perishable food for your family and pets. Keep a manual can opener handy.
7. Check your yard and house for items you'll need to secure if a storm approaches. Patio furniture can be stored right in the pool water to keep it from being blown away.
8. Decide if you are going to protect your home windows with plywood, take measurements, drill anchor holes and keep the custom wood sizes on hand.
9. Check prescriptions and keep at least a two-week supply.
10. Keep a telephone that connects directly to a wall phone jack.
11. Assemble an emergency kit:
    • Flashlights and batteries for every family member.
    • First-aid supplies.
    • Plastic tarps and sheets, nails and hand tools.
    • Cleaning supplies such as a mop, bucket, cleansers and towels.
    • Mosquito repellent.
    • Battery-powered radio plus spare batteries.
    • Matches and charcoal or Coleman stove for cooking if power is out.
    • Rolls of camera film or digital camera to photograph any damage to your home.
    • Coolers & ice for food.
    • Tape.
    • Foil and waterproof containers, ziplock bags.
12. Check the county evacuation map and locate community shelters. Plan with your family where you will go and what route you will take to get there in case you are asked to leave your home.
13. Make arrangements for pets with a kennel as they will not be allowed in public shelters.

If you are asked to evacuate:

1. Shut off water, gas and electricity in your home.
2. Secure items outdoors.
3. Unplug and cover computers and electronics with plastic sheets and move away from windows.
4. Cover your pool filter and pump, and super-chlorinate the pool.
5. Tell a friend or relative living outside the area where you will be staying.
6. Keep a luggage bag of clothing, bedding, medicines, toiletries books and games on hand that you may grab at the last minute.
7. Fill up your vehicles with gas.

After the storm:

1. Use your emergency supply of water as wells and municipal water supplies may be contaminated or not available.
2. Stay clear of debris, downed electric lines, floods, fallen trees and wild animals driven from their normal habitat.
3. Minimize opening refrigerator and freezer doors if the power is out. Keep a list of what foods they contain posted on the door.
4. Eat perishable food first. Thawed food can be eaten if it is still cold, and can be refrozen if it still has ice crystals. Throw out food that you have any doubts about.
5. Keep identification with you. Police will check to be sure only people living in the area are allowed into a neighborhood.
6. Photograph any damage to your home and contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Keep receipts from any repairs.

For more information, evacuation and shelter maps, visit hurricane.weathercenter.com