Hurricane Safety Information

When a hurricane threatens your area, it is important to take proper precautions to keep your home and family safe, according to the National Hurricane Survival Initiative. Prepare a family disaster kit and have it ready long before the hurricane season strikes.

Track the Storm

• A hurricane threatens the U.S.

  Carefully monitor and track threatening storms so that you and your family can be prepared to take action if you are in or near the projected path of the hurricane. Tracking maps can be printed from many online sources including The National Hurricane Center.

Supplies

• Canned food requires no cooking.

  Stock up on at least a week's supply of food and water. Non-perishable foods such as canned meats, vegetables, juices and fruits require no cooking and little preparation. Other supplies such as baby supplies, flashlights, ponchos, personal hygiene items and blankets should also be stored in a water tight container.

Pet Safety

• Pets should not be left behind when evacuating.

  Make sure your pets are current on vaccinations and have identification tags with your current contact information. Pack enough pet food, water and medications for a week. If you will be evacuating, get a crate to safely transport your pets. Do not leave them behind.

Property

• Homes should be safely secured.

  Put away patio furniture, toys and other items that may blow away. Board up windows and doors to minimize flood damage to your home. Sandbags may be used around the outside of your house to prevent water from getting inside your home. If you live in an area where hurricanes are frequent, installing hurricane roof straps and hurricane shutters before the onset of the hurricane season can help minimize damage to the home. Hurricane straps are joints of galvanized steel that secure your roof to the walls of your home. Hurricane shutters are additional protection for windows.

Evacuation

• Delaying evacuation can result in getting caught in massive traffic jams.

  Research your local evacuation plans, fill your car with gas and withdraw enough cash from the bank to tide you over for at least a week. Make a decision to evacuate as soon as predictions indicate the storm is headed your way. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of becoming stranded in unsafe conditions. Do not attempt to stay in the home and "ride out" the storm if authorities have ordered evacuation.

Contact Family

• Establish a location prior to hurricane season where family members are to meet up if evacuation forces traveling in separate vehicles. Also establish a family member outside of the hurricane area as a common point of contact so that evacuating family members can stay in contact with each other.