Preparing for a Hurricane

National Preparedness Month 

Know The Different Hurricane Seasons: 

• Atlantic Hurricane Season: June 1- November 30.
• Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season: May 15 - November 30. 
• Central Pacific Hurricane Season: June 1-November 30th

How to Prepared (Ready.Gov) 

• Hurricane Risk
• Know the risk of rain, wind and water in your area. Hurricanes can happen off the coast as well. Be sure to take COVID-19 into consideration when preparing for a hurricane. 
• Warnings and Alerts
• Sign up for local alerts in your area. Listen to the latest weather news. The FEMA app can provide you with “real time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations worldwide” (Ready.Gov). The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert System (WEA) can provide you with updates as well. These both do not require you to sign up. 
• Get An Emergency Plan Together
• Make an emergency plan with your family and practice it ahead of time. Make sure everyone knows what to do if something were to happen. It is important to have a plan for work, daycare or anywhere you go often. 
• Evacuation Zones
• Make sure you and your family know your evacuation routes. Practice evacuating ahead of time. Don’t forget about your pets, have a plan ready for them as well. Identify where you plan on staying. Talk with local authorities about public shelters. 
• Have Your Preparedness Kits Ready to Go 
• Have your emergency preparedness kits ready to go ahead of time. Items to remember: 3-10 days worth of food and water (for each member in your family), a first aid kit, a flashlight, a radio with extra batteries, medication (both prescription and non prescription), cash and important documents, sturdy shoes, an extra pair of clothing, sanitation and cleaning supplies, and quick tools. 
• Important Documents
• Review your home and health insurance ahead of time. Make extra copies of your important documents and keep them somewhere safe. 
• Prepare Your Home
• Clean out your gutters and drains ahead of time. Pick up any loose debris around your house. Move your outdoor furniture somewhere safe where it will cause the least damage. 
• Have Your Electronics Ready 
• Keep your cell phone charged before a hurricane. Have a backup charging device for your electronics.

Helpful Resources: 

• Find more helpful information at - https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?fbclid=IwAR0ZMTX-Nc3uLNvSOHy1sY_ySeHhutzK3elA3N0foVt1Rbsv9dyxbs99rcs

“Hurricanes .” Ready.Gov, 9 Sept. 2020, www.ready.gov/hurricanes.