Preparing for a Hurricane

Hurricanes threaten our safety and livelihood, presenting significant threats of flooding and wind damage. Meteorologists continue to predict active hurricane seasons for the foreseeable future, as well as above-average probability of major hurricane landfalls. The best way to prevent harm and reduce property damage is to be aware of the dangers posed by storms and to be prepared.

Hurricane Preparedness document by United Way of Brevard
The United Way of Brevard has published and distributed a great Hurricane Preparedness document that provides a lot of information to assist you in preparing for a hurricane. The document provides a preparation checklist, a wealth of contact information that will be valuable before, during, and after a hurricane. We are providing a copy for your use. We recommend you print it out and save it with your hurricane kit. Click here to open in new browser window.

Evacuation: Stay or Go
Depending on your circumstances and the nature of an event, your first important decision is whether you stay put or leave. Understand and plan for both possibilities by using common sense and available information to determine if there is immediate danger.

Be prepared... develop a home emergency plan
To prepare for any natural disaster, it's a good idea to have an emergency kit on hand.

Have a family communication plan
Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so plan how you will contact one another and review what you will do in different situations.  If you have family outside the area, be sure to inform them of your plans.  They will be worried and trying to contact you.

Checklist - What to do before the hurricane

• Learn the terms used by weather forecasters.  Know the difference between "watches" and "warnings" - a watch means that storm conditions are in the specified area, usually within 36 hours while a warning is usually within 24 hours
• Listen for local radio or television forecasts
• Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans
• Talk to your family about hurricane issues
• Determine the needs of your family/neighbors that might need assistance in a hurricane
• Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days
• Make plans to secure your property
• Learn how to shut off utilities and where gas and water shutoffs are located
• Have your home inspected for compliance with local building codes
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed
• Make a record of your personal property with pictures or videotapes
• Decide in advance where to go if you must evacuate your home. You might choose a friend's home, a motel or a shelter.
• Identify a safe evacuation route and alternate routes. Remember that roads may be crowded and that bridges or causeways may be under water.
• Stock plywood, nails and other items needed to board up windows to protect your home.
• Prepare for possible power outages by stocking up on such necessities as food and bottled water, as well as a first aid kit, a portable radio, warm clothing and clean blankets. In addition, keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy, and avoid relying upon potential light sources, such as candles and kerosene lamps, since open flames can be hazardous.
• Keep your car fueled in case you have to evacuate, and store some bottled water, nutritious snacks and blankets in the trunk.
• Listen to local radio or television for the latest information and instructions for your area.
  Protect your windows with boards or shutters.
• Look around your property and reduce the threat of flying debris. This includes moving all outdoor items (patio furniture, garbage cans, garden tools) indoors and, if possible, removing any tree limbs that may be too close to your home, or appear to be diseased or damaged.
• Check mobile home tie-downs.
• Make arrangements for your pets. In the event you needed to be evacuated to a shelter, most shelters won't allow them. Animals that assist people with disabilities are permitted.
• If time permits, and you live in an identified flood zone, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or, better yet, move it to a higher floor.
• If you need to leave your home, shut off the gas, water and electricity.

Checklist - Hurricane Supplies

Basic Supplies

• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Plastic garbage bags, ties and toilet paper for personal sanitation
  First aid kit
• Map of the area for evacuation or for locating shelters
• A whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes

Food
Stock a 3-day supply of non-perishable food and water.  Include:

• Water (1 gal/person/day)
• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, or soup
• High energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, trail mix
• Foods for infants, elderly people, or people with special diets
• Comfort foods like cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, tea bags
• Pet food and water

Health and Sanitation

• Toilet paper and towelettes
• Feminine supplies. Baby diapers
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation uses
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach* (*You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency, you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners)

Important Family Documents

Keep copies of important family records such as insurance policies, passports, important telephone numbers, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Important notice - this list is only a sample to start the process. Your list should be developed with the needs of your family in mind.