Before, During, and After a Hurricane

A step-by-step guide to staying safe through one of nature’s most powerful disasters

Every hurricane can be life-threatening and incredibly damaging. Hurricanes bring with them a wide variety of dangers including: incredibly high winds, driving rain, storm surges, severe flooding, and even tornadoes. Use the following guide as a checklist to keep your family out of harm’s way during hurricane season (from June through November in the Atlantic).

Before

• Prepare an emergency plan, including plans for evacuation and the location of the nearest shelters

• Make sure your emergency kit is well-stocked, with food and water for at least 3 days (don’t forget to plan for your pets, too)

• Purchase non-perishable food and other supplies (go early, as supplies will run lower the longer you wait)

• Keep your TV or radio tuned to local stations for breaking weather updates

• Fasten storm shutters or place plywood covers over exposed windows and glass doors

• Fill up your vehicles with gas

• Get extra cash out of the ATM

• Fill all prescriptions and purchase over the counter medications

• Make copies of important documents (insurance policies) or place originals (birth certificates, titles, and, deeds) in ziploc bags, and store in a safe, dry place

• Unplug and cover computers and other appliances

• Turn off the gas to prevent fires if damage should occur to utility lines

• Photograph or take video of the interior and exterior of your home, as well as any other valuables covered under insurance policies (cars, trucks, and boats)

• Keep your phone charged, and make sure you have a car adapter in case the power goes out

• Gather playing cards or other games to play during or after the storm

• If you are ordered to evacuate, DO SO IMMEDIATELY

During

• If authorities say that it is safe to wait out the storm in your area, stay inside your home, and keep away from windows and doors.

• Stay in interior rooms and keep away from the roof and exterior walls during the most intense part of the storm

• Do not go outside for any reason, until cleared to do so by local officials. Remember, the eye of the storm will seem calm, but the worst is only half over

• Stay tuned to local TV and radio broadcasts for updates from the authorities

• Stay off your cell phone to keep lines open for emergency workers

• Play cards or other games to keep children distracted during the scariest parts of the storm

After

• Don’t leave your home until cleared by authorities and YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY SURE IT SAFE

• When you do go outside, be wary of damaged trees, utility poles, and other structures that can fall or collapse

• Don’t drive or venture far from your home unless you absolutely have to, or you have been cleared by emergency officials to do so. Washed-out or flooded roads are extremely dangerous, and one of the leading causes of death from a hurricane

• Take photos or video of your home and possessions again, to document any damage the storm might have caused

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report any claims