The following provides some general tips for staying safe and fortifying your home. To be completely prepared, visit www.ready.gov to view more thorough tip lists that give special instructions about the disasters that are likely to happen in your area.
Ahead of Time
- Inventory the contents of your home and take photos or videos of both the exterior and interior. Be sure to record contents of closets, cabinets and drawers. Keep copies in a safe, separate location if possible.
- Inventory the contents of your home and take photos or videos of both the exterior and interior. Be sure to record contents of closets, cabinets and drawers. Keep copies in a safe, separate location if possible.
- Arrange with family or neighbors to have a contact number or location where you can check in to report on your safety or new whereabouts.*
- Gather your vital documents and records and make duplicate copies to be stored in a weatherproof container.*
*Visit CreateTheGood.org for evacuation plan tips and information on duplicating vital documents.
Just Before and During a Hurricane
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Stay tuned to local news stations via battery-operated radio and be prepared to evacuate if ordered.
- Cover windows and doors with shutters or plywood if high winds are expected.
- Move electronics or valuable objects away from windows and wrap in plastic garbage bags to keep dry.
- Have a supply of bottled water on hand; fill sinks and bathtubs with water to use for bathing, washing clothes or flushing the toilet.
- Shut off water at the main valve and electricity at the main fuse or breaker box.
- Bring indoors outdoor objects that may fly around, such as trash cans and patio furniture.