Hurricane safety for your entire family starts with being prepared before and after a storm hits.
Hurricane season is here, so be prepared with a hurricane safety plan. It’ll keep you and your loved ones safe and ready to react. Use these helpful tips as preparation for if and when a storm hits.
Hurricane safety before a storm
- Stay informed with the latest updates from county and city officials. Listen to local radio and television reports. Check the National Hurricane Center site regularly.
- Be prepared. Stock up on supplies for your home and car, keep emergency phone numbers in multiple places, and ensure everyone in the family knows the warning signs and what to expect.
- Pack a “Go Bag.” Consider electronic needs, toiletries, first aid, clothing, medications, important paperwork, food, water and cash.
- Remember your pet. Create an emergency kit for your furry or scaled loved one (e.g., food, litter, medicine, plastic bags, leash, carrier, etc.).
- Safeguard outside your house. Secure outside furniture and equipment, and trim shrubs and trees to minimize damage from debris.
- Make a plan for finding shelter or for an evacuation , depending on the advice from local officials.
- Be familiar with how to use a fire extinguisher. The PASS acronym is very helpful.
Hurricane safety after a storm
- Let family and friends know you are safe.
- Continue monitoring updates and instructions from local authorities.
- Inspect outside your home for structural damage, gas leaks or downed power lines.
- If electrical appliances got wet, wait for an electrician to check the devices before using them.
- Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you’re sure it’s not contaminated.
- Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage; there’s a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep away from floodwater and flooded roads. Drive around floodwater and not through it.
- Remember that flood and standing waters present health risks.
- Stay away from downed power lines and dangerous materials.
- Report power outages in your area to your local Transmission and Distribution Service Provider.
Convenient apps
Resourceful links
You don’t have control over whether a storm will hit, but you can control your hurricane safety readiness. Prepare now to ensure you and your family stay out of harm’s way.
