Hurricane Preparedness Guidance for Individuals

1. Create a Disaster Plan

Meet with your family and discuss preparation for a hurricane. Share responsibilities and work together as a team.
Learn about your workplace and your school’s emergency plans.
Pick two places for your family to meet: One near your home and one away from your neighborhood.
Make plans for those with special needs as well as arrangements for your pets.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your "family contact."
Discuss what to do, what you will bring as well as the destination and route you will take in an evacuation .
Learn how to aid someone in an emergency: Sign-up for a First Aid / CPR course with your local Red Cross chapter.

2. Build a Disaster Supply Kit

First aid kit and essential medications and/or prescriptions.
Canned food, other foods not requiring refrigeration, snacks, utensils and a can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person, and make plans to gather as much ice as possible as the storm approaches.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members as well as pet needs.
Documents including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, will, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, medical information/prescriptions. etc.

3. When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued

Listen to local radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for up-to-date storm and evacuation information.
Bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Cover all windows of your home. If hurricane shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking: Taping windows is not recommended.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Double check your supply kit. Review your evacuation plans and route. Evacuate if told to do so by government officials.

4. After the Storm Passes

Keep listening to radio and TV for instructions, water supply safety information and availability of aid and services.
If you evacuated, return home only when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
Inspect your home for damage.
Prepare to be without power for several days. Be aware of downed power lines Use flashlights, NOT candles.
Follow Power Outage Safety Procedures.
- Never use candles! Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting.
- Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
- Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
- Listen to local radio and television for updated information .
Follow Food Safety Procedures.
- An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold enough for a couple of hours at least. A freezer that is half full will hold for up to 24 hours and a full freezer for 48 hours.
- If it looks like the power outage will be for more than 2-4 hours, pack refrigerated milk, dairy products, meats, fish, poultry, eggs, gravy, stuffing and left-overs into your cooler surrounded by ice.
- If it looks like the power outage will be prolonged, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.