How To Prepare For A Hurricane And Other Natural Disasters

Hurricanes primarily occur on the east and gulf coasts from the late spring through autumn. Hurricane warnings are usually posted no less than 24 hours before a storm makes landfall. If you live or own a business in a hurricane prone area, follow these quick tips:

• Have an evacuation plan
• Familiarize yourself and your family with local and regional coastal evacuation routes
• Select an evacuation location
• Board up windows
• Bring outdoor plants and furniture indoors
• Trim tree branches that overhang your home or business
• Install special roof clips to fasten your roof to exterior walls
• Clear gutters and downspouts
• Follow the evacuation orders of local authorities

During a hurricane: Shelter in an interior room away from windows and doors, even if they are boarded. If you are in a high-rise building, seek shelter below the 10th floor

• Listen to the TV or radio for instructions
• Stay indoors
• Do not travel during the storm
• Be mindful that a temporary decrease in wind may only mean the eye of the storm is passing – do not venture outside
• Stay out of elevators

After a hurricane passes:

• Inspect your home or business for damage
• Avoid downed power and utility lines
• If you live on or near a river be aware that flooding can occur up to 24 hours after the wind stops
• Do not wade into standing water
• Test tap water before using it for cooking or drinking

Additional Resources

• Red Cross’s Hurricane Preparedness Page
• The National Hurricane Center
• Ready.gov’s Hurricane Information Page