Hurricane Preparedness Manual

SAFETY MEASURES WHEN YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING

A hurricane warning means that the conditions are ideal for a hurricane and that a tropical storm or hurricane-level storm is expected (while a hurricane watch means that a hurricane forming is only possible). A hurricane warning is issued about 36 hours before the anticipated storm to allow for proper precautions to be taken.

Here are a few safety tips for people who happen to be under a hurricane warning:

• Evacuate the area if you are told to do so
• Ensure that you use generators outdoors and away from any doors or windows
• Avoid walking, swimming, or attempting to drive through flooded areas – its likely much deeper than it looks!
• Be vigilant and listen to all emergency information and alerts
• Take refuge against high winds in an interior room or in a designated storm shelter.

How To Prepare For A Hurricane

• You need to be aware if your area is at risk of hurricane
  • Sign up on all platforms that provide emergency alerts. Some of such platforms include The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.
• Watch for the warning signs of flash flooding
• Familiarize yourself with your evacuation zone, route, and shelter locations
• Make your own evacuation plans, according to your location and community plans
• Gather the supplies you will be needing for at least three days. Remember to include medications and your pet’s special needs
• Store important documents in water-tight packaging and bring them with you if you are told to evacuate. It may also be beneficial to create digital copies of your documents as well.
• Do your best to protect your property by clearing your drains and gutters. Employing the use of hurricane shutters, sandbags, and other aids to minimize damage.

• People with NFIP flood insurance should keep copies of the receipts of all the avoidance measures taken like sandbags and water pumps that have been used to protect the insured property. These receipts will be needed when you file a claim to be reimbursed.
• Trim or cut down any trees that are close enough to fall on your home or other structure on your property (including vehicles).

What to do when a hurricane is 36 hours away:

• Evacuate your home immediately if you are told to do so. However, do not drive around barricades.

• Stay glued to your TV or radio to get the latest updates and listen carefully for any change in emergency instructions.
• Do your best to stock your emergency preparedness kit (or create one). Make sure that it includes food, medications, flashlights, first aid supplies, batteries, cash, and water that can last for at least three days.
• Have an alternative method of communicating with your family members in case you lose power. Bear in mind that during a disaster, it is easier and more reliable to send text messages rather than phone calls.

• Remember to go over your evacuation zone, route, and shelter locations with your family as you may have to leave quickly.
• Have everyone pack a bag that includes clothing and toiletries to last at least three days.
• Ensure that your car is in good working condition with a full gas tank. More so, stock your car with emergency supplies.

What to do when a hurricane is 18 to 36 hours away:

• Continue to monitor your city or county website, television, or radio so you can have minute by minute storm updates as well as emergency instructions.
  • Evacuate your home immediately if you are told to do so. However, do not drive around barricades.
• Use permanent storm shutters to cover and protect the windows in your home. If you do not have hurricane shutters, board the windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood to reduce damage caused by flying storm debris.
• Look around your home and bring in any lightweight objects like garbage cans or patio furniture inside the house as they can turn into projectiles in the high winds. In the same vein, remember to anchor objects like propane tanks that are unsafe to bring inside.

What to do when a hurricane is 6 to 18 hours away:

• Continue to monitor your city or county website, television, or radio so you can have minute by minute storm updates as well as emergency instructions.
  • Evacuate your home immediately if you are told to do so, and do not drive around barricades.
• Remember to charge your cell phone so that your battery will be full in case you lose power.

What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours away:

• Continue to monitor your city or county website, television, or radio so you can have minute by minute storm updates as well as emergency instructions.
• Plan where you will be staying for the duration of the storm if your home is not area that has been evacuated.
  • Update friends and family via text or call where you will be. Do not post on social media if you will be leaving your home.
• Make sure you close and lock hurricane storm shutters into place.
• Stay away from windows and glass doors, an impact could cause glass to shatter and become projectiles.
• Change your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and open only them when necessary. This will help you preserve your food longer in case you lose power.
• Fill water bottles (or even large storage bags) with both tap water and filtered water. Label which is which and if you lose running water, the tap water can be used to help flush toilets, bath, and cook. The filtered water can be used to drink.

Surviving During A Hurricane

• Continue to monitor your city or county website, television, or radio so you can have minute by minute storm updates as well as emergency instructions.
• If you did not evacuate or take shelter at a FEM-designated location or ICC 500 storm shelter, then take shelter in an interior room, preferably windowless like a closet or hallway. This room should be on the lowest floor and not subject to flooding.
• If you are in a multi-level building that has begun to flood, go to the highest level of the building.
• Do not take shelter in an attic.
• If you lose power, wait for the storm to have completely passed before turning on the generator. Also, be sure to survey the area for down trees or power lines that could still be a potential hazard. Only use your generator outdoors and away from windows.
• Once the storm has passed, avoid leaving the house unless it has been safe to do so.
• If it is safe to do so but some areas are still flooded, then avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Bear in your mind that it takes only 6 inches of fast-moving water can take you off your feet and a foot of moving water could sweep your vehicle away.
• Do not use bridges over fast-moving water.

How To Stay Safe After A Hurricane

• Pay attention to information and special instructions from authorities.
• Wear protective gloves and work with someone else during cleanup.
• Avoid touching wet electrical equipment. Also, do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water. As a matter of fact, the safest thing to do is to turn off electricity at the main breaker to prevent electric shock.
• Do not wade in flood water as it could contain dangerous and harmful debris.
• Use text messages or the social media to communicate with your friends and family. Phone calls should be saved for emergency use only.
• Contact your insurance company with evidence of all property damaged by the hurricane. Be sure to keep any receipts for items purchased in preparation for the storm, to reduce damage to the home, or to clean up or repair the home after the storm. Also, take photos of all damage prior to clean up, during clean up, and after cleaning up.
• While waiting for repairs, take preventative measures to reduce further damage to your home. For example, place a tarp over a damaged roof or shattered window.