Secure Your Home: Reinforce windows with storm shutters or plywood, secure loose objects outside, and trim trees to prevent damage.
Secure Outdoor Furniture: Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture and decor to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
Barricade Your Property: Consider using sandbags or flood barriers to protect your property from flooding.
Elevate Valuables: Store important items like furniture, electronics, and documents on higher levels to prevent water damage.
Protect Your Plumbing: Disconnect hoses and shut off water supply to the house if flooding is imminent.
If impact is imminent, fill your bathtub with water before the storm hits. Water infrastructure is particularly vulnerable and even if your tap still works, the water may be contaminated.
Remember the 72-hour rule. In many cases, you and your community may be on your own for several days to weeks.
Create a Home Disaster Kit: Gather essential supplies like non-perishable food, lots of water (gallon per person, per day), first aid supplies, candles, lighters, flashlights, batteries, portable phone charger, a crank/battery-powered radio, and copies of important documents. Battery-operated fans will be helpful as the weather will likely remain hot.
Items for cooking without power: Gas stoves may still work without power (if gas lines are not damaged), have a camping or other portable propane stove just in case. Cold soak cooking is also an option.
Create a Mobile kit in the event you need to evacuate. Keep copies of important documents, medical records, and emergency contacts.
Keep your gas tank full and vehicle properly maintained.
Prepare Your Pets: Ensure your pets have identification tags, necessary vaccinations, and a safe place to stay.
Develop an Evacuation Plan: Determine escape routes, designate a meeting place, and arrange for transportation if necessary.
Know where emergency shelters are located in your area in the event your home becomes unsafe.
Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and follow official guidelines from local authorities.
Charge Devices: Ensure your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices are fully charged
Communicate with Neighbors: Establish a neighborhood communication plan to share information and coordinate efforts during and after the storm.
Spread Awareness: Use social media, local news outlets, and community events to educate residents about hurricane preparedness.
Check on Vulnerable Populations: Reach out to elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, and those living in low-income areas to ensure they have the necessary resources and support.
Coordinate with Local Officials: Work with city or town officials to develop and implement community-wide emergency plans.
Create a Neighborhood Watch: Assign volunteers to monitor the neighborhood during and after the storm, report any emergencies, and assist those in need. See Communication to find alternative methods other than cell phones
Establish a Community Shelter: If your neighborhood is in a high-risk area, work with local authorities to set up a temporary shelter.
During an event
Interior Room: If you are in a sturdy building, go to a small, interior room on the lowest level, such as a closet or bathroom, for as long as you can. If flooding occurs, go to the highest level. Close all doors and windows, and cover them with blankets or towels for added protection.
Stay Away from Windows: Avoid standing near or looking out of windows, doors or skylights. Flying debris can cause serious injury.
Designated Shelter: If available, seek shelter in a designated storm shelter or public building.
Never go outside the protection of your home or shelter before there is confirmation that the storm has passed the area. The eye of the storm could create a temporary and deceptive lull, with high winds still approaching.
Do not open your fridge/freezer unless absolutely necessary to prevent spoiling of perishable foods. Place tape on your fridge/freezer doors so you don't forget.
Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Even a few inches of water can be dangerous.
Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, and other hazards.
Use caution when driving, as roads may be flooded or damaged.
After an event
Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage. Arrange for reasonable temporary repairs.
Be wary of any gas lines that may have been damaged or broken during the storm. If a gas leak is suspected, stay out of the property until the utility company deems it safe.
Keep accurate records of your expenses and save bills and receipts from your temporary repairs. Avoid making permanent repairs until your insurance company has reviewed the damage. Keep accurate records of any other expenses incurred.
Separate and inventory any damaged personal property. Create a list of any damaged contents, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name and age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories you may already have available.
If you think your home might be unsafe due to storm damage, contact your insurance company to discuss finding temporary accommodations.
Avoid downed power lines. Never touch anything in contact with power lines, including water or water puddles that may be near the downed power lines.
Communicate with Neighbors: Establish a neighborhood communication plan to share information and coordinate efforts during and after the storm.
Spread Awareness: Use social media, local news outlets, and community events to educate residents about hurricane preparedness.
Check on Vulnerable Populations: Reach out to elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, and those living in low-income areas to ensure they have the necessary resources and support.
Coordinate with Local Officials: Work with city or town officials to develop and implement community-wide emergency plans.
Create a Neighborhood Watch: Assign volunteers to monitor the neighborhood during and after the storm, report any emergencies, and assist those in need. See Communication to find alternative methods other than cell phones
Establish a Community Shelter: If your neighborhood is in a high-risk area, work with local authorities to set up a temporary shelter.
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