Ready For Unsteady

Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life
Ready For Unsteady logo – emergency preparedness for everyday life

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Hurricane & Flooding Preparedness

Hurricanes and flooding are becoming increasingly common, and can cause widespread damage, power outages, and dangerous conditions. Understanding evacuation zones, preparing emergency supplies, and protecting your property in advance can significantly reduce risk. Stay informed with alerts, plan multiple evacuation routes, and know how to respond during and after the storm.

Preparing For Hurricanes

  • 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.
  • Take Pictures of every room of your home, interior and exterior. These will be helpful to have if insurance claims are necessary after the storm.
  • 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 a Hurricane

  • 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.
  • Wear Sturdy Clothing: If conditions worsen and you need to move, wear shoes and clothing that provide protection from debris.
  • Use Flashlights, Not Candles: Prevent fire hazards during power outages by using battery-powered lights.
  • Wear a Helmet or Hard Hat: Especially if sheltering in a vulnerable structure or near falling debris risk.
  • Keep Shoes On or Nearby: In case you need to move quickly through debris or flooding.
  • Have a Go-Bag Within Reach: Include ID, medication, flashlight, power bank, snacks, and water.
  • Stay Together: Keep all household members in one interior room, especially children and pets.
  • 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.
  • Watch for structural damage – buildings may be unstable even if they appear intact. Be cautious of sagging floors, cracked foundations, and mold growth.

After a Hurricane

  • Do not leave your shelter until local officials confirm it’s safe.
  • The eye of the storm can create a deceptive lull—dangerous winds may return quickly.
  • Follow official sources (NOAA weather radio, local emergency alerts) for real-time updates.
  • Do not rely on visual cues alone; calm skies may not mean the storm is over.
  • If you evacuated:
    • Do not return home until authorities say it’s safe.
    • Roads may be blocked, flooded, or unsafe for travel.
  • Staying inside until the all-clear helps:
    • Avoid injury from falling debris, downed power lines, or unstable structures.
    • Prevent interfering with emergency response operations.
    • Protect your family from flash flooding or renewed storm surge.
  • Keep your emergency kit nearby in case conditions worsen again.
  • Homes built before the 1980s may contain asbestos materials in insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, or siding. When storm damage breaks, floods, or burns these materials, asbestos fibers can be released into the air.
  • Asbestos fibers are microscopic and easily inhaled. You can be exposed without seeing or smelling anything.
  • Wear proper protection: a NIOSH-approved P100 or N100 respirator, gloves, goggles, and disposable coveralls when handling debris that might contain asbestos.
  • Dampen debris before removal to minimize dust, and double-bag materials in heavy plastic. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming asbestos debris with a household vacuum.
  • Shower and change clothes immediately after cleanup to avoid bringing asbestos fibers into your home or vehicle.
  • If in doubt, call a certified asbestos abatement professional before starting cleanup, especially if you suspect older materials like insulation, flooring, or pipe wrap were damaged.

Learn how to stay safe around asbestos debris with this article on Natural Disasters and Asbestos Exposure from The Mesothelioma Center. More information on mesothelioma, the rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure can be found here.

  • Ensure family members, neighbors, and pets are safe and accounted for.
  • Pay special attention to the elderly, disabled individuals, and anyone with medical needs.
  • Knock on doors or call nearby neighbors if it’s safe to do so—some may be injured or unable to call for help.
  • Keep children and pets calm and close to avoid injury or separation.
  • Limit phone use: send text messages instead of calling to conserve battery and reduce network strain.
  • Photograph and video everything—including structural damage, water levels, ruined belongings, and exterior areas before you begin cleanup.
  • Take close-up and wide-angle shots to fully capture the extent of damage.
  • Create a list of damaged or lost items, including approximate value and purchase dates if possible.
  • Save receipts for any emergency repairs, lodging, or supplies purchased after the storm.
  • Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start a claim:
    • Have your policy number ready.
    • Follow their instructions for inspection, repair estimates, or temporary housing.
  • Apply for disaster assistance through FEMA or local agencies if eligible:
    Visit disasterassistance.gov
  • Keep a written log of all calls and communications related to your claim or assistance applications.
  • Tarp damaged roofs or broken windows to keep out rain and debris until repairs can be made. Use plastic sheeting, duct tape, or plywood if a tarp isn’t available.
  • Do not turn utilities back on until a professional says it’s safe.
  • Remove wet items—carpets, rugs, furniture, and drywall—within 24–48 hours to prevent mold growth.
  • Ventilate your home as soon as it’s safe. Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out interior spaces.
  • Move undamaged belongings to dry, elevated areas to avoid future water exposure.
  • Clear clogged drains and gutters to reduce standing water around your property.
  • Avoid electrical equipment or outlets if there’s standing water nearby.
  • Wear protective gear (gloves, boots, mask) when cleaning or handling wet materials.
  • Take “before” and “after” photos of temporary fixes to support insurance claims.