Preparing for Hurricane Season

Here are important tips to keep your home and family

Hurricane – a violent, tropical storm, having wind speeds of or in excess of 73 mph

Hurricane Watch – a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours

Flash Flood Watch – a flash flood is possible, stay alert

Flash Flood Warning – a flash flood is imminent, take immediate action and evacuate

Hurricane Season – runs from June 1 to November 30 with the peak period from early August to the end of October

How to prepare your home and property:

Clear yards of all outdoor furniture, grills and all equipment
Tie down boats, canoes or anything that could become flying objects
Cover windows securely with plywood. Do not use tape because it is easy to blow away by high winds
Fill up your car’s tank with gas and have extra propane tanks on hand with a grill for an alternative cooking method.
Fill up bath tubs for additional clean water supply

Prepare in advance by creating Emergency Plans:

(Read full descriptions by clicking on the links provided)

Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit that includes:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least 14 days for drinking and sanitation
At least a 14-day supply of non-perishable food and pet food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit

During a Hurricane

Stay in doors no matter what including all pets. Hurricanes create high winds that cause debris to become deadly flying objects
Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered
Remain on the first floor of your home and close all interior doors

After a Hurricane

Listen to local officials for updates and instructions
Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media (Phone lines might be down so texting and social media might be the best way to communicate.)
Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe

**Information provided by www.ready.gov/hurricanes