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Hurricane season officially began June 1 and ends Nov. 30. According to ready.gov, hurricanes can cause major damage from storm surge, wind damage, rip currents and flooding. Ready. gov also reports that storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Here are some hurricane preparedness tips from ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Make an emergency plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
Know your evacuation zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay. Make sure you also follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners.
Recognize warnings and alerts Consider downloading the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert, which require no sign up. Visit ready.gov/alerts to learn more.
Those with disabilities
If you or anyone else in your household has a disability, identify if you may need additional help during an emergency. If you use medical equipment in your home that requires electricity, talk to your doctor or health care provider about what you may be able to do to keep it running during a power outage. Visit ready.gov/disability for more tips.
Review important documents Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as IDs, financial information, medical information, household contact information, etc. are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password- protected digital space.
Strengthen your home
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
Get tech ready
Keep your cell phone charged and consider purchasing backup charging devices to power electronics.
Help your neighborhood Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
Gather supplies
Have enough supplies for your household, including medications, disinfectant supplies, pet supplies in a go bag or car trunk. Remember, you may not have access to these supplies for days or weeks after a hurricane.
Stay safe during a hurricane
Go to the highest level of the building if you are trapped by flooding. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
Remember, do not walk, swim or drive through flood water. Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
