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Hurricane Preparedness and Safety Guide Learn
what you need to do to be ready and prepare for a hurricane or
tropical storm. Your best defense is |
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| When is
hurricane season? It starts June 1st and ends November 30th
with peak activity occurring during the second half of August through
the end of September. While this website offers tips on what to do
before, during and after a hurricane or tropical storm, it's
extremely important to pay attention to all official announcements on
the radio and/or television from the National
Hurricane Center as well as your local Emergency Management Office
and follow their suggestions or requirements.
The decision as to whether to stay and ride out the hurricane or evacuate is an important one. It's strongly advised that you base your decision on the recommendations of local authorities as they are most knowledgeable about the storm's potential for death and destruction. It's also best to have a hurricane plan in place prior to the beginning of hurricane season. There may be things that you need to take care of well in advance of a storm heading in your direction. The hurricane categories are based on the miles per hour (MPH) wind speeds...
A review of your insurance policies prior to the start of hurricane season is critical in order to ensure that your assets are adequately covered. It's important to remember that once a hurricane watch has been issued, insurance providers will not issue additional coverage or new policies. It's smart to take inventory of your possessions (have a written record and photograph or videotape any items of value) well in advance. Keep your important documents in a safe place (such as a safe deposit box) and if you must evacuate, consider taking the documents with you. If you plan to ride out the storm at home, identify the safest room (typically an interior room with no windows) and stay inside that room if a hurricane is expected to pass directly over your location. |
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It's highly
recommended that you maintain a "hurricane kit" in preparation
for a storm.
Hurricane Preparedness Supply List / Kit:
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One item you should
include on your "hurricane preparedness to do list" that needs
to be taken care of in the weeks or months prior to the beginning of
hurricane season is the trimming of trees on your property. Trees
should not only be trimmed but also thinned to allow strong winds to
pass through them in order to prevent them from falling down during a
hurricane. Damage to landscaping is virtually guaranteed during a
hurricane so the better you prepare for it, the lesser the damage and
loss. If you have pets of any kind, be sure to include them in your hurricane preparedness planning. Remember that pets can be traumatized if left behind alone during a hurricane. If a category 3 hurricane (or higher) is approaching, consider evacuating and taking your pets with you but try to do so in such a way that it does not cause the pet undue stress. Please note that many shelters do not allow pets so you may need to make other plans to ensure your pets safety and well-being during a hurricane. If you have large outdoor pets or animals (such as horses, cows, pigs, chickens, etc.), be sure to have a plan in place for them, too. |
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