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Hurricanes
are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean
Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Scientists can now predict
hurricanes, but people who live in coastal communities should plan what they will
do if they are told to evacuate.
Prepare
for Hurricanes - Get
a kit of emergency supplies and prepare a portable kit in case you have to evacuate.
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Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
- A hurricane watch
means a hurricane is possible in your area.
-
Be prepared to evacuate.
- Monitor
local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the
latest developments.
- A
hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities
advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
Prepare to secure your property. - Cover
all of your home's windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect
your windows from high winds.
-
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything
else that is not tied down.
-
Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed.
- If
you have a car, fill the gas tank in case you have to evacuate.
Plan
to Evacuate Plan
how you will leave and where you will go if you are advised to evacuate.
- If you do not have a car,
plan alternate means of evacuating.
- Plan
places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate
neighborhood.
-
Identify several places you could go in an emergency, a friend's home in another
town, a motel or public shelter.
-
If you have a car, keep a half tank of gas in it at all times in case you need
to evacuate.
- Become
familiar with alternate routes and other means of transportation out of your area.
- Take your emergency
supply kit. Lock the door behind you.
- Take
your pets with you, but understand that only service animals may be permitted
in public shelters.
- Plan
how you will care for your pets in an emergency.
- If
time allows: Call or email the "out-of-state" contact in your family communications
plan. Tell them where you are going. Leave a note telling others when you left
and where you are going.
- Check
with neighbors who may need a ride.
- If
you are not able to evacuate, stay indoors away from all windows.
- Take
shelter in an interior room with no windows if possible.
- Be
aware that there may be a sudden lull in the storm as the eye of the hurricane
moves over.
- Stay
in your shelter until local authorities say it is safe.
- Stay
informed Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information
on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should listen to NOAA
Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official
news and instructions as they become available.
-
Stay out of flood waters, if possible. The water may be contaminated or electrically
charged. However, should you find yourself trapped in your vehicle in rising water
get out immediately and seek higher ground.
-
Be alert for tornadoes and flooding. If you see a funnel cloud or if local authorities
issue a tornado warning take shelter underground, if possible or in an interior
room away from windows. If waters are rising quickly or local authorities issue
a floor of flash flood warning, seek higher ground.
-
Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution.
- Do not return
to your home until local authorities say it is safe.
- Even
after the hurricane and after flood waters recede, roads may be weakened and could
collapse. Buildings may be unstable, and drinking water may be contaminated.
- Use
common sense and exercise caution.
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