If you prepare your home and family in advance of hurricane season, you’ll be better able to act quickly and efficiently when a storm is on its way.
Once a hurricane watch is issued (meaning hurricane conditions are possible within 36 hours):
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local media for information on the storm’s progress.
Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants – and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, use precut plywood.
Obtain a two-week supply of any prescription medications.
Fill your car's gas tank (and get extra fuel if you have a portable generator).
Be sure your Disaster Kit is well stocked. Make any final purchases of water, food, batteries and other essentials.
Once a hurricane warning is issued (meaning hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours):
Continue to monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local media for storm information.
Bring inside any lawn furniture or outdoor items that could be picked up by the wind.
Cover your home’s windows with hurricane shutters or precut plywood.
Complete any other preparation activities. As the storm approaches, stay indoors, away from windows.
During a Storm:
Stay indoors in a safe location – preferably a windowless room on the first floor of your home. Closets and bathrooms can be ideal “safe rooms.”
Do not venture outside during the eye of the storm. This temporary calm can end quickly and unpredictably.
Monitor NOAA Weather Radio and local media for up-to-the-minute information on weather conditions.
If you lose power, turn off your air conditioner, major appliances and electronic devices. To eliminate the risk of damage due to power surges, turn them back on only when electricity has been reliably restored.
Use flashlights – not candles – during a power outage.
