Hurricane Preparation

What to do before a hurricane.

Hurricane preparation is mandatory if you live near the coast where tropical storms form.

The ingredients for a hurricane include a preexisting weather disturbance, warm tropical oceans, moisture, and relatively light winds.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms.

So if you are a resident of these areas, here's what you can do to prepare.

1. Learn the terms used by weather forecasters, such as: tropical depression, tropical storm, hurricane, storm surge, storm tide. Why? So that you will understand how severe the storm might be and how you can safely weather it. (see right side panel)

2. Know the difference between "watches" and "warnings".

• TROPICAL STORM WATCH: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.


• TROPICAL STORM WARNING: An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.


• HURRICANE WATCH: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.


• HURRICANE WARNING: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

3. Listen for local radio or television weather forecasts. Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup and tone alert feature that automatically alerts you when a watch or warning is issued.

4. Ask your local emergency management office about community evacuation plans relating to your neighborhood. Learn evacuation routes. Determine where you would go and how you would get there.

5. Talk to your family about hurricane preparation issues. Create a household disaster plan, including where to meet in emergencies.

6. Prepare to survive on your own for at least three days. Assemble a 72-hour kit, including food and drinking water.

7. Make plans to secure your property such as permanent storm shutters for windows. Boarding up windows is also an option. Have them pre-cut and ready to install.

8. Learn how to shut off utilities and where gas and water shutoffs are located. Do not shut off the gas for practice - only the gas company can turn it back on.

9. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This may substantially reduce roof damage.

10. Clear dead limbs or trees that could cause personal injury or property damage. Clean rain gutters and downspouts.

11. If you own a boat, make sure it is secured.

12. Purchase flood insurance if it is available in your area. Purchase it well in advance as there is a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect.

13. Make a record or copy of your personal property and important papers. Take photographs or videotapes of the exterior and interior of your home, including personal belongings. Make copies of important documents. Store these in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box and/or your emergency preparedness kit planner.

What to do during a hurricane threat.

1. Listen to radio or television newscasts. If a hurricane watch is issued, you typically have 24-36 hours before the hurricane hits land.

2. Make sure all family members know where to meet.

3. Secure your home according to the items above that you have prepared.

4. Gather several days' supply of food and water for every family member. Since water systems may become contaminated or damaged, sterilize the bathtub and other containers with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) and fill them with clean water in case you are unable to or told not to evacuate.

5. If you are evacuating, take your disaster supplies kit with you to the shelter. Remember that alcoholic beverages and weapons are prohibited within public shelters. Pets are not allowed in public shelters due to health reasons, so make sure your pets are safe somewhere.

6. Prepare to evacuate.

7. Evacuate to an inland location if:

• Local authorities announce an evacuation and you live in an evacuation zone.
• You live in a mobile home or temporary structure - they are particularly hazardous during hurricanes, no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• You live in a high-rise. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• You live on the coast, on a floodplain, or near a river or inland waterway.
• You feel you are in danger.

8. When authorities order an evacuation:

• Leave immediately.
• Follow evacuation routes announced by local officials.
• Stay away from coastal areas, riverbanks, and streams.
• Tell others where you are going.

9. If you are not required or are unable to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - the winds will pick up again.

• If not instructed to turn it off, turn the refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep it closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.

10. In strong winds, follow these hurricane preparation rules:

• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway.
• Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
• In a two-story residence, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.
• In a multi-story building, go to the first or second floors and stay in interior rooms away from windows.
• Lie on the floor under a table or other sturdy object.

11. Avoid using the phone except for serious emergencies. Local authorities need first priority on telephone lines.

What to do after a hurricane.

1. Stay where you are if you are in a safe location until local authorities say it is safe to leave.

2. Stay tuned to local radio or television stations for information about caring for your household, where to find medical help, how to apply for financial assistance, and so on.

3. Drive only when necessary. Streets will be filled with debris. Roads will have weakened and could collapse. Do not drive on flooded or barricaded roads or bridges. Roads are closed for your protection. As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose control if your vehicle - 2 feet of water will carry most cars away.

4. Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until notified by officials that it is safe to do so.

5. Consider your family's health and safety needs. Be aware of symptoms of stress and fatigue. Keep your household together and seek crisis counseling if you have need.

6. Talk with your children about what has happened and how they can help during the recovery. Being involved will help them deal with the situation. Consider the needs of your neighbors. People often become isolated during hurricanes.

7. Stay away from disaster areas unless local authorities request volunteers. If you are needed, bring your own drinking water, food, and sleeping gear.

8. Stay away from riverbanks and streams until potential flooding has passed. Do not allow children to play in flooded areas. There is a high risk of injury or drowning in areas that may appear safe.

9. Stay away from moving water. Moving water only six inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.

10. Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the power company. Report broken gas, sewer or water mains to local officials.

11. Don't use candles or other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect damage.

12. Set up a manageable schedule to repair property.

13. Contact your insurance agent.

If there is time for you to carry out these hurricane preparation instructions, your family will be well on the way to surviving this crisis. Here's hoping that you never need them.