Getting Ready for a Hurricane

Andrea. Barry. Chantal. Dean. Erin. Felix. Those are some names you may hear during the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season. While no one knows how many storms will form or which part of the U.S. will be affected, you can prepare in case one comes to our area.

Stay informed. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. During these months, stay alert to news of tropical developments.  TV news, radio, Internet and weather channels are great sources of information. Statistically, most hurricanes make landfall in the U.S. in September, followed by August and July.

Knowledge is Key. Become familiar with terms like “watch” and “warning.” A “watch” means conditions are favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to develop within 36 hours. A “warning” means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. The watch and warning system gives you time to plan and evacuate if necessary.

You should know whether your area is prone to flooding or storm surge damage after a storm. If your area is low-lying, evacuate before a storm hits. Some coastal areas are subject to mandatory hurricane evacuations. Check with local officials to see if this applies to you.

Prepare your family.  It’s a good idea to make a disaster plan for your family. You should decide where your family will go in case of an evacuation. Since hurricanes often change course, you should have several possible safe locations in mind.  Here are other tips.
 

Make a list of important telephone numbers. 

Have an updated road map in your car. 

 Locate the safest area of your home, if you decide to stay. 

 Plan for pets if you need to evacuate. Not all hurricane shelters take pets. 

 Pack a family disaster supply kit.

You may want to include: 

• At least one gallon of water per person for three to seven days. 
• Non-perishable food for three to seven days. 
• Special foods for infants, those on restricted diets and the elderly. 
• Manual can opener. 
• Cooking tools and fuel. 
• Paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils. 
• Bedding including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows. 
• Clothing for several days. 
• First aid kit. 
• Medications (list of prescriptions, pharmacy information, prescribing physician). 
• Hygiene items such as toilet paper, baby wipes, waterless hand cleaner. 
• Important documents such as insurance policies, social security cards, deeds, wills, proof of residence, drivers license, birth and marriage certificates, etc. in a waterproof, resealable container. 
Cash and credit cards. (banks and ATMs may not be available following a storm.) 
• Battery operated flashlight, radio, extra batteries. 
• Books, games and other items to pass the time.

When traveling with an infant, plan for special needs. Remember formula, baby food, bottles, wipes, medications and over-the-counter fever reducer.  If you take pets, you’ll need food, water, carrier, cage, proof of immunizations, medications and leash.

Get your house ready. Tropical storms and hurricanes mean high winds. Consider having storm shutters installed or purchasing pre-cut outdoor plywood at least 1⁄2 inch thick for each window. Check trees near your house for diseased or dead limbs, overhanging branches and other possible hazards. Bring in any outdoor furniture, plant containers or other items that can be picked up by high winds.

Get your car ready. If a storm is brewing, you may want to keep your car filled with gas. Stations often run out of fuel in an evacuation and can't pump if electricity is out.  Check vital fluids, hoses and belts to make sure your car is in good working order.

For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov or the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.