What You Need to Know to Make it Through a Hurricane

May 22 through 28 is observed as National Hurricane Awareness Week and we have tips to help you safely make it through a hurricane - before, during and after.

Before a Hurricane - Have an emergency plan in place and know all evacuation points from your home or office. Prepare important documents and have an emergency bag ready to grab in case you are evacuated on short notice.
- Stock up on supplies in advance such as generators, shutters, tools, first aid supplies, non-perishable food and water. Be sure to keep these items safe while not in use in a storage shed or securely fastened, as generators can be stolen and re-sold quickly in the face of a storm.
- Prepare your home by boarding up all windows or closing storm shutters, securing your roof and doors. It is a common hurricane myth that tape will hold windows together during a storm, but this is untrue.
- Finally, check your insurance policy to make sure you are covered in the case of a flood. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage so it pays to ask about this before hurricane season starts.

During a Hurricane - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends listening to the radio or television for important information.
- If told to evacuate follow instructions given by authorities.
- Turn off utilities as instructed, set the refrigerator to the coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Fill the bathtub and any large containers with water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and flushing toilets.
- If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room or a room deep inside the home, far away from windows and glass doors on the lowest level. Bring flashlights, food and plenty of water.

After a Hurricane - If you have been separated from your family during a hurricane or are missing family members go to National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) a website to help reunite people after disasters.
- Look for volunteer agencies like the Red Cross that will help provide you with food and water.
- Use caution when returning home; rushing storm waters may have weakened or washed out roads and bridges. Be wary of gas leaks at home and inform authorities about any power outages, chemical spills or dead animals.

Related Articles:

Hurricane Shutter and Generator Security Getting Ready for the Tropical Storm / Hurricane
Family Action Plan – Natural Disasters
 

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