Prepare for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Plan Ahead:
- Gather supplies: food, water, medications, tools, etc. and prepare emergency kits. Learn more.
- Understand your evacuation routes and have alternate routes planned out as traffic will be extremely heavy.
- Clean out gutters and trim trees and shrubs. Make sure your tree trimmings are properly disposed of. Check with your local municipality or waste management company for details.
- Inspect your roof, siding, foundation and basement to identify areas that need to be repaired or replaced.
- Reinforce garage doors – if wind blows through the garage, it can cause serious structural damage to other parts of your home.
- Consider replacing gravel or rock landscaping materials with shredded bark, since high hurricane winds could cause rocks to move around and damage your home.
- Prepare a home inventory with photos of your home and personal property.
- Place your insurance documents and other important paperwork in a safe, waterproof place that can be easily accessed.
- Take photos of yourself with your pets in case you get separated from them.
Before the Storm:
- Bring lawn furniture, trash cans and toys inside.
- Cover windows with 5/8-inch plywood that’s cut to fit and ready to install.
- Fill your gas tank, refill prescriptions and have extra cash on hand..
- Park your car in a garage or next to a building to protect it from wind and flying debris.
- Charge your cellphone and other electronics.
- Fill sinks, tubs and other containers with water for cleaning and washing.
- If you live in a tall building, find shelter on the 10th floor or lower before the storm strikes.
During the Storm:
- Listen to the radio or TV for information, and turn off utilities if told to do so.
- Avoid using the phone, except for emergencies.
- Stay inside, unless you’re told to evacuate.
- Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
- Turn off utilities and propane tanks.
- Keep your emergency kit with you.
- If you’re told to evacuate, do so immediately.
After the Storm:
