If your home is not located in a storm surge zone, no one will tell you that you need to evacuate. It is critical that you assess your risk prior to hurricane season. Determine the limitations of your home and your electricity needs as they concern children, special needs, and elderly. If you are located in a storm surge zone, you will need to pay close attention to local television news reports and radio station advisories (740 AM and 88.7 FM).
What if I'm Required to Evacuate
You should evacuate if you live near water, if you are within the flood surge zones, or if you live in an unstable structure such as a mobile home or manufactured home.
To obtain needed assistance in evacuating, dial 911 or contact your nearest Office of Emergency Management.
Notify family members of whereabouts according to your evacuation plan
Before leaving, monitor local radio and TV broadcasts for weather conditions and instructions.
Vehicles should be fueled and ready to go.
Pets should be brought to a pet shelter as they will not be allowed in people shelters.
Turn off water, gas, and electricity at main stations.
Locate nearest shelter and bring bare necessities; expect limited space in shelters.
Note flood warnings in your evacuation area and leave before flooding begins.
What if I plan to stay?
Board up windows, doors, and shutters (tape is not enough), but be sure to allow for an emergency exit.
Close all interior doors; secure and brace external doors - Houses do not explode due to differences in air pressure but occurs when wind gets inside a home through a broken window, door, or damaged roof.
Cover/protect ventilation and fireplaces openings.
Generators of an adequate size should be purchased with enough fuel to keep it running.
Fire extinguishers should be visible and accessible—fire danger is high in a storm
Locate safest place in your home (bathroom, stairwell, closet) and stay away from doors and windows. Cover yourself with a mattress or take shelter under a sturdy table or other stable furniture to protect yourself from falling debris.
Monitor the storm's location through the National Hurricane Center advisories on TV or battery-operated radios after loss of power.
Open the door to your attic to help equalize pressure on the roof.
Open refrigerators or freezers only when necessary. A freezer without power should keep food in satisfactory condition up to 36 hours if it is kept closed.
Purchase ice chests and bags of ice (or make your own ice) before possible power loss.
Store water in bathtubs, plastic jugs or bottles, and large cooking pots and pans.
Turn up refrigerators and freezers to maximum cold.
Unplug small appliances, computers, and TV systems.