Shelter in Place
Residents who live outside the hurricane evacuation zones should be prepared to shelter in place in the event of a severe storm. Prepare an emergency supply kit with enough non-perishable food and water for at least three days. If you have pets or large animals in your care, plan to have enough food to last them for several days. Also, plan for relatives with medical or special needs.
Visit TogetherAgainstTheWeather.com for more information on how to prepare these special needs groups for hurricane season.
If you feel the need to leave your residence, allow citizens who live in evacuation zones to leave the coastal area first.
Shelter in Place Safety Tips
Pay close attention to the local news for emergency updates and official instructions. Stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep stored food fresh longer in case the power goes out. Store water in clean bathtubs, jugs, and bottles.
If the power does go out, unplug all appliances, TVs, stereos, and computers that are not connected to a surge-protected outlet to reduce potential damage from a power surge when electricity is restored. Store valuables and personal documents in waterproof containers. Keep flashlights handy.
Emergency Supply Kit Essentials
Residents who are sheltering in place for a hurricane or severe storm should have a well-stocked emergency supply kit. Below are some essential items every kit should include:
- Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help if needed)
- Dust masks (to help filter contaminated air)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Visit ready.gov for more information on how to prepare your home and family for a hurricane, and for other disaster planning tips.