Before a Hurricane

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat. 
• Identify a safe room. 
• Store important documents and items in a watertight container in a safe place.

Don’t expect cell phones or telephones to work immediately after a storm and plan accordingly.  In the past, land lines were working before cell phones.  You will need an older style telephone that does not require electricity to use with your land line.

• Prepare a photo or video inventory of your home's contents and store it in a safe location.
• Make sure your insurance policy payment is up-to-date.
• Keep some cash on-hand; banking may be unavailable for several days.
• Arrange to have an out of town family member or friend as a contact person.
• If you have a cell phone, program that person(s) as 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) in your phone. If you are in an accident, emergency personnel will often check your ICE listings in order to get a hold of someone you know. Make sure to tell your family and friends that you’ve listed them as emergency contacts. 

Assemble an emergency supply kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, (including pet food), water, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, prescription medications, a hand-held can opener, and propane for the outdoor grill.

You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car. This kit should include:

• Copies of prescription medications and medical supplies;
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows;
• Bottled water, a battery-operated radio and extra batteries, a first aid kit, a flashlight;
• Copies of important documents: driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Make sure you have a “to-go bag” ready in case you need to evacuate, include:

• Water and non-perishable food;
• Battery operated radio and batteries so you can get important information from local officials;
• First aid kit;
• Flashlight;
• Maps
• Important documents such as proof residence, pictures of your family including pets, insurance policies, and tax records;
• Comfortable clothing and blankets;
• Unique family needs such as prescription medications, pet supplies, infant supplies or any other unique need your family may have;

During a Hurricane

         If a hurricane is likely in our area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Move your boat to a prearranged safe place if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

         If you are staying in your home during the storm, go to your safe room.  If 
         you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
  
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
  
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.