Hurricane / Emergency Preparedness

Last updated on August 26, 2021

Be Informed

Learn about the different threats, such as:

• Severe Weather
• Fire
• Hazardous Materials
• Nuclear

Discuss the different hazards with your family, and monitor TV, radio, or trusted internet sites for information.

Make a Plan

Think ahead and create a family emergency plan. Discuss with your family what you will do if you must evacuate, how you will get there, and where you will find each other. Practice these plans and always keep a contact list. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and learn how to turn off gas, electric, water and heater systems using the main breaker switch.

Learn first-aid and CPR, along with basic safety rules. Make sure your children know what to do if they are home alone, and remember to make plans for your children, pets, and elderly ones.

1.Collect– Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people and offices, such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers.

2.Share– Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her backpack, purse, or wallet. If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online atready.gov/make-a-plan, you can print it onto a wallet-sized card. You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or family bulletin board.

3.Practice– Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan. You can alsocreate wallet-sized cardsthat include contact information and emergency meeting places.

Have an Emergency Kit

Always be sure to have two emergency kits ready in case of a disaster; one large kit with 3 days of supplies, and a smaller, portable kit in case you must evacuate the area. Kits should include:

• One gallon of water per person per day. You should have at least enough water for three days.
• Canned and dried food that does not require refrigeration
• Manual can opener
• Sleeping bags or cots
• flashlight or lantern with batteries
• First-Aid kit
• Bathroom supplies
• Medicines
• Prescription Drugs
• Emergency Contact List
• Soap and Hand Sanitizer
• Face Masks
• Battery Powered Radio
• Credit cards and cash
• Duct tape
• Heavy garbage bags or tarps
• Important documents
• Waterproof container
• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle
• Tools
• Pet supplies
• Special Needs, such as infant supplies, hearing aid batteries, diabetic supplies or glasses

Possible Grocery List

• Bread, crackers
• peanut butter/jelly
• cookies
• snacks
• applesauce
• canned fruit
• canned meat & fish
• apples, bananas, oranges & other fruit
• raisins & other dried fruit
• canned/boxed beverages
• fruit drinks
• shelf-stable milk
• plastic forks, paper plates and napkins
• baby food, diapers and formula, sterile water
• bottled water
• ice & charcoal
• toilet paper
• paper towels
• pre-moistened towelettes
• pet foods

If you evacuate you also should take

• Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags or air mattresses
• Extra clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, etc.
• Folding chairs, lawn chairs or cots
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Quiet games, books, playing cards and favorite toys for children
• Important papers (driver’s license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories)

Note: If the storm does not hit, save your supplies for the next storm.  Once hurricane season is over, you can eat your canned foods or donate them to a holiday food drive.  Most canned foods have a shelf life of 1-2 years, so it is a good idea to replenish yearly.Pets

If you have to evacuate to a public shelter because of a disaster, keep in mind that animals may not be allowed inside. 

With proper planning, you can help ensure your pet’s safety if you have to separate. Just follow tips from the Ready Campaign, including:

·        Assemble a pet disaster supply kit;

·        Talk with your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning;

·        Plan with friends, neighbors, or relatives to make sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so; and

·        Look for a boarding facility such as a kennel or veterinarian hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place. 

Remember to stay calm, have plans ready, and listen for instructions from local officials.