Preparing for a hurricane is critical in increasing the safety of family members, livestock, and property. Because hurricanes can bring strong winds and massive flooding, early preparation is key in significantly minimizing potential property damage, economic loss, and emotional distress. Learn tips to prepare now.

Hurricane preparedness for the general public:

What is a Hurricane WATCH?
A Hurricane Watch is when hurricane conditions are likely to occur in the specified area of the WATCH. A watch is generally posted within 36 hours.

What to Do When a Hurricane WATCH Is Issued

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
• Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
• Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, install hurricane shutters or purchase precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
  Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Recheck manufactured home tie-downs.
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
• Complete preparation activities.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
• Be aware that the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
• Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
• Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

• Identify ahead of time where you could go and how you would get there if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places, such as a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Take these items with you when evacuating:
  • Prescription medications and medical supplies;
  • Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows
  • Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight
  • Car keys and maps
  • Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, will, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

• First aid kit and essential medications.
• Canned food and can opener.
• At least three gallons of water per person.
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members.
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on.)
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Whistle to signal for help

• Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
• Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water.
• Pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.
• Choose foods your family will eat.
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Protein or fruit bars
  • Dry cereal or granola
  • Peanut butter
  • Dried fruit
  • Nuts
  • Crackers
  • Canned juices
  • Non-perishable pasteurized milk
  • High energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Food for infants
  • Comfort/stress foods

• One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
• Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
• If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
• Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

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