Preparations to have in Place BEFORE the storm season

These tips should be in place by the beginning of the hurricane season (July to Novenmber). Be sure to also check with your local government for emergency numbers and guide lines specific to your area.

PREPARE YOUR HOME

Shutters

The best protection for your home is window shutters. These shutters protect your windows from shattering. The majority of damage from hurricane Andrew occurred when windows and doors failed. Subsequently this allowed the storm into the interior structure of the house leading to total structural failure.
These shutters can be in the form of commercial shutters, or plywood. If plywood is used, it should be a minimum thickness of 5/8 in, cut to fit each window, and pre-drilled with mounting brackets. Door shutters and large window shutters should be reinforced to add strength. If pratical, permanent shutters are a feasible option to add year round protection. If you home does not have a set of shutters, you should obtain or make shutters as soon as possible after moving in.

Insurance

There is no such thing as Hurricane Insurance, so make sure you have enough homeowners insurance. Your homeowners insurance should cover the cost of rebuilding you home and replacing all of your personal items. Since most homeowners insurances does not cover flooding, contact your government officials to see if you are in a flood prone area and adjust your insurance accordingly.
Make a list of your personal possessions and their approximate replacement value. Keep this list in a safe place. Also know your insurance policy and what it does and does not cover. Keep your list of belongings and the coverage of your insurance up to date, most insurance companies will not update insurance policies when a hurricane watch is posted.

Other tips for you home:

Keep rain gutters clean
Keep dead limbs trimmed from trees
Find out from your city where to move you boat to in the event of a hurricane

EVACUATION ROUTES

Know how to get inland before the storm. Have more than one route, especially if you live on a barrier island, know all of the routes off of the island and be ready to leave when you are told. Commonly their are very few bridges connecting the island to the mainland. Also arrange with friends or family who live inland to stay with them and wait out the storm. Never try to ride out the storm after you have been told to evacuate.
Know of any shelters in the area and along your evacuation route incase you need to stop.

DISASTER KIT

Every home should have a disaster kit. This is a good thing to get ready and store in a closet. Your kit should include:

• 1 gallon of water per person for 3 days and extra water for washing. Keep water in an air tight container and change every 2 months.
  
• Enough food for three days which doesn't require refrigeration or cooking
  
  whole dry milk
  granola bars
  canned fruits and meats
  peanut butter and crackers
  keep in air tight containers
  
• Paper plates, utensils, and a can opener
  
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
  
• Three days worth of clothing per person
  
• First aid kit with prescription medication
  
• Battery-operated radio
  
• Flashlight
  
• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and other personal grooming items
  
• Lots of batteries
  
• Candles and matches in waterproof container
  
• Identification
  
• Money
  

Lastly, make preparations for your pet. Make sure there is food and water for them in your disaster kit, or leave them extra food and water if you do not take them with you. Most shelters will not admit pets.

More suggestions on preparing yourself

Hurricane...unleashing nature's fury: A Preparedness guide
FEMA-Hurricane Fact Sheet

Return to main page