How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricane season begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. This is the perfect time of year to begin preparing for the possibility of a hurricane.

Have a plan for you and your family
Ensure that everyone is on the same page in the event of a hurricane. Decide under what conditions you will stay in your home and evacuate to a shelter. Many local agencies and media outlets offer free hurricane preparedness guides or kits, like this one from the Kissimmee Utility Authority. Make sure all members of the family know where to meet and/or who to contact if you get separated. Be sure to consider the family pets during your planning. Not all shelters accept animals.

Gather important items in one easy-to-reach place
This is a good idea in general, but ensure that important items and documents are in one safe and easy-to-reach place so that you may quickly grab them if you must evacuate your home. Documents and information you want to have available include insurance information, an inventory of items in your home (should they be damaged or destroyed), medical information (include medications and doctors' numbers), mortgage papers, identification like birth certificates and passports etc.

Secure your home
To ensure your home is as safe as possible, regardless of whether you evacuate, make sure to regularly trim trees and shrubs to avoid dead or dying limbs damaging windows, power lines and the roof. Check to make sure you have flashlights, a battery-operated radio/TV and plenty of fresh batteries. Secure any loose items that may blow away, such as barbecue grills, pool chairs, potted plants, toys or outdoor furniture. It is also a good idea to thoroughly scrub the bathtubs and any other jugs or containers you can fill with water.

Stock up on necessary supplies
It is ideal to have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food items, like ready-to-eat canned meats, vegetables and fruit. High-energy foods like granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter and crackers are also great to have on hand. Be sure to stock up on medications or any special needs items for infants, the elderly or your pets. If the power goes out, it's important to have supplies such as paper plates/bowls, utensils, manual can openers and a heat source for warming food. Be sure to fill your car's gas tank in advance. Gas stations may sell out of gas or be closed following a storm.

Staying at home during a hurricane
If you prepare your home, and there is no mandatory evacuation order, staying at home may be an acceptable option. Never stay in a mobile home during a hurricane, but if your home is structurally sound, it should be reasonably safe to stay put. Stay indoors away from windows and glass. Use a battery-operated radio or TV to get updates on the weather conditions. Turn off major appliances like air conditioners and water heaters to prevent damage in the event of power surges or outages. Never leave the safety of your home until officials declare it safe.

Evacuating
Ensure all family members have the number of someone living far enough away that the storm will not affect him/her. All family members should check in with that person should you become separated. Turn off the electricity to your home at the main box. Use the recommended evacuation routes, and plan for four times the normal amount of driving, as others will also be evacuating. Be patient and do not panic. Make sure you bring cash, as your credit cards may not work if the power is out.