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1. Getting Ready For a Hurricane2. Hurricane Protection 101
3. Hurricane Watch Plan
4.Hurricane Warning Plan
5.After the Storm
HURRICANE PROTECTION
Hurricane Preparation
HURRICANE WATCH PLANBy now, you should have completed your pre-season preparations and started safeguarding your property. Keep in mind that the storm can change course within the next 36 hours.
PREPARATION
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
Have your storm shutters ready for use and make sure you have all the parts.
• Do not prune your trees at this time. Loose branches can become dangerous projectiles. Take any household or yard trash to your nearest Trash and Recycling Center for disposal. These Centers will remain open throughout the emergency, 24 hours a day.
• Fuel and service all family vehicles.
INSIDE YOUR HOME
• Check your Hurricane Supply Kit.
• Prepare a "safe room" if you plan to stay in your home. This room or closet should be small and away from all windows, skylights and outside doors.
• Make sure all emergency battery- operated equipment is in working order.
• Get extra cash or traveler's checks. Banks might be closed for days if a hurricane strikes.
MOBILE HOMES
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie downs.
• Pack breakable items in padded boxes and put them on the floor.
• Put lamps and taped mirrors in a padded bathtub.
APARTMENTS/CONDOS
• Locate storm shutters for sliding doors and windows.
• Prepare your "safe room" (interior bathroom, hallway, stairway, etc.).
EVACUATION PREPARATIONS
• Listen to TV or radio for evacuation instructions. If ordered to evacuate, move immediately.
BOATS
Marine experts say that if you plan to move your boat, you should do it at least 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to hit the area. (This is normally before a Hurricane Watch is issued.)
You may need the extra time to move your boat since bridges might be locked down for land evacuation after a hurricane warning is issued.
Make sure:
• Fuel tanks are full, batteries are fully charged, and fuel filters are clear.
• Firefighting gear is fully functional.
• Cockpit drains are clear and bilges are clean.
• To remove or secure anything that can blow away or is susceptible to hurricane damage.
• That boats are moored at locations near the ocean because they may take a beating against the dock during the storm surge. For the best offshore mooring procedures and locations, check local regulations.
• To secure your boat from all possible directions; use more than one anchor.
• To not tie boats together; the probability of damage will be greater.
ELDERLY RESIDENTS
Here are some things you will need to plan prior to the hurricane season:
• Plan on taking care of yourself without electricity. Remember that the person taking care of you and your electrical devices may not be available right before and directly after the storm. If you are not available to do so, make other arrangements before hand.
• If you are elderly, frail, or a person with disabilities and have friends or relatives that can help you with your property, housing and welfare, contact them now so that they can include your needs as part of their hurricane planning. They will need to include the time it will take for you to gather items you need and transportation time. You should rehearse this as part of your yearly hurricane preparation in May.
• Make a list of prescribed medications, and get a month's supply. You should also make copies of the prescriptions. Your pharmacy's records may not be available right away.
• If you normally require a special diet, make sure you take along three days supply of it in containers that will be easy to open.
• Transfer to a manual wheelchair if you are in a battery operated one. You may not be able to recharge the batteries.
• Make sure you are wearing an I.D. bracelet with your name, medications, allergies and contact information.
• If you are in a nursing home, ask to see the hurricane plan that details where and when the residents will be evacuated. Be sure to let your family and friends know where you will be taken in case of evacuation.
