An oncoming hurricane is always stressful. Here are ways to prepare to help ease anxiety before a storm hits.

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Monitor your local news and weather reports.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
• Get a NOAA weather radio.

 

Stock emergency supplies

Bottled Water	Food	Pet Food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio	Flashlight	Matches and/or lighter
Batteries	Dust Masks	Sleeping Bags
Generator	Duct tape	Propane
Garbage bags	Plastic ties	Books/Games/Activities
Tools	Medications	Infant Formula/diapers
Cell phone charger	Backup battery	Non-prescription medications
Manual Can Opener	Cash	First aid kit

 

Protect your property

• Safeguard your home against high winds such as reinforcing or strengthening doors, windows, walls, and roofs. Protect your home now.
• Bring lightweight objects inside (such as lanai furniture and garbage cans).
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, such as gas grills and propane tanks.
• Trim or remove trees that are close enough to fall on your home.
• Keep your gutters and drains free of debris.
• Install a water alarm and sump pump with a backup battery.
• Consider elevating the heating system, water heater and electric panel.
• Stockpile emergency protective materials like plastic, plywood, sandbags, and sheeting.
• Raise electronics off the floor to protect from water damage in the event of interior flooding.

 

Collect and safeguard critical documents and records

Place any important documents in a waterproof container, such as:

• Financial documents
• Insurance policies
• Medical records
• Educational documents
• Legal documents
• Other types of documents such as birth certificates and passports.

 

Prepare to evacuate

• Know your emergency communication plan. This includes contact information for family, school, work, and physicians.
• Learn local evacuation routes.
• Check with local officials for shelter locations.

During the Storm

• Take shelter in a designated storm shelter or an interior room during high winds. To locate Open Shelters
• Stay away from glass windows and doors or Protect your home now.
• Move to higher ground before flooding begins.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.

After the Storm

• If you have evacuated, wait for officials to say it is safe before going back home.
• Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and downed wires.
• Avoid driving through floodwater
• Do not touch floodwaters because they may contain sewage bacteria and chemicals that can make you ill.
• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, garage, tent, camper, etc.
• Clean and disinfect anything that got wet
• Do not drink tap water until local authorities declare it safe to do so

 

Before you or your family experience damage from a tropical storm or hurricane, Storm Smart is ready to respond. Our experts have served the community since 1996 and have gained the experience to understand and provide tropical storm and hurricane damage prevention services to homeowners across the country!

Helpful Links

• https://hurricanestrong.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/4-28-22-Find-Your-Evacuation-Zone-Final.pdf
• https://www.ready.gov/plan
• https://www.weather.gov/nwr/