Posted on Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Get Hurricane Ready
We are here for you! Be prepared and be aware. As hurricane season approaches ensure that you are being proactive and gathering everything you need to stay safe.
How To Prepare
- Make an Emergency Plan
- Know your Evacuation Zone and map your route
- Recognize Warnings and Alerts
- Sign up for your community’s emergency warning system
- Identify who in your home might need extra help during an emergency
- Create a Communication Plan with family and friends
- Check your smoke detector batteries
- Review important documents and insurance policies
- Strengthen your home
- Declutter drains and gutters
- Bring in loose, lightweight items that could get tossed by the wind
- Charge all devices
- Create an inventory of household possessions and value (take photos of every room, drawer and closet)
- Backup computer files on a USB drive or hard drive
- Help your neighbors
- Fill your gas tank
- Gather supplies, see the list below
Gather Supplies
Food
- Cooler
- Waterproof container
- Three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned or pouched food
- One gallon of water per day for each person and pet
- Food for special diets
- Manual can opener
Health and Personal Hygiene Items
- Extra medications and prescriptions (Place your refills early! The influx of requests may delay the average return time.)
- Cold packs for medications
- Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
- Toothpaste/Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
- Sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Tent, blankets, pillows
- Clothes and sturdy shoes
- Rain gear and towels
Important Documents and Precious Items
- Cash, checkbook, credit cards
- Current photo ID, birth records, Social Security card, passport
- Health insurance and prescription cards
- Bank account info
- Property deeds, leases, mortgages
- Vehicle titles, insurance
- Priceless items you don’t want lost or damaged
Multi-Use and Tech Items
- Flashlights
- Multi-purpose tool
- Battery powered radio
- Batteries
- Cell phone portable charger and car charger
- Matches and lighter
- Road maps
- Car repair supplies (spare tire, tire patch kit, oil, tools)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Supplies for Children
- Baby food and formula
- Bottles
- Diapers
- Books, games, toys
- Blankets
Pet Supplies
- Three-day supply of pet food, water and bowls
- Pet medications and vaccination records
- Crate or carrier (these may be required in shelters)
- Leash and toys
- Cat litter and box
- Photo of pet in case they get lost
First-Aid Kit
- Two compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
- 25 band-aids of different sizes
- First-aid tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone ointment
- Pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Instant cold pack
- Two pairs of medical gloves
- Oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers
- Two roller bandages
- Two elastic bandages
- Ten sterile gauze pads of different sizes
- Two triangular bandages
- First-aid instruction booklet
Additional Info
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service issues alerts when weather conditions suggest a hurricane is coming. Familiarize yourself with these terms:
- Advisory — The NWS categorizes these alerts when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used in these conditions, they should not be life-threatening.
- Watch — A watch is issued when a tropical storm or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. You should begin monitoring alerts from the NWS, and local radio/TV/news sources for updated information. Prepare your emergency supplies and gather needed items to prepare for the possibility of a loss of power.
- Warning — The NWS will issue a warning when a hurricane or tropical storm is expected within 36 hours. During a warning, complete your storm preparations and leave the threatened area if directed to by local officials.
