How to Survive in the Eye of the Storm

Hurricane season starts in June and plugs away until November. To protect your home and family, prepare for the dangerous season with a disaster supply kit, a home safety plan and an evacuation route. But if you're in the middle of the hurricane's relatively calm eye, stay put. A few quick actions can help guard your home and keep you safer when the full force of the storm returns.

Things You'll Need

• Storm boards and electrical tape
• Cash; without power, banks and ATMs will be closed
• Drinking water; at least one gallon per person per day for two weeks
• Medications for at least four weeks
• First aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses
• Nonperishable foods; at least two weeks supply
• Flashlights and batteries for each member of the family
• Portable radio and at least seven sets of batteries
• Insect repellent
• Coolers; at least 2 large coolers, one for food and the other to keep ice
• Charcoal and ice; these are in short supply before and after storms
• Window/roof repair supplies, including plastic tarp, screening, garbage bags, tools and nails
• Water purification kit (tablets, chlorine, iodine)
• Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles)
• Cleanup supplies (mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant)
• Camera
• Non-electric can opener
• Extra batteries for camera, flashlights, radio, portable TV, lamps
• Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened towelettes

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Instructions

• 1

  Listen to weather reports to find out how quickly the hurricane is moving. If the calm weather is expected to last more than a few minutes, head outside and repair any boarded-up windows that may have been damaged by the first part of the storm.

• 2

  Bring all outdoor equipment indoors. Secure anything that could become a projectile in high winds.

• 3

  Turn off all water and electricity. Switch off water at the main valve; shut off electricity at main fuse box. Turning off the water and electricity may prevent electrical hazards.

• 4

  Huddle in an interior, windowless space. This is the safest way to protect yourself against high winds and rushing water. A walk-in closet that's not connected to an exterior wall is a good choice. Bring food, water, a radio and medical supplies with you. Don't leave the space until the winds have died down and you're certain the storm has passed.