Hurricane Safety

Important Terms

Hurricane: Formed when sustained winds reach 74 mph.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a possible threat within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm: Formed when sustained winds reach 39 mph.
Tropical Depression: Formed when a tropical wave develops cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation with sustained (one minute) winds up to 38 mph.
Tropical Disturbance/Tropical Wave: A grouping or cluster of clouds moving through the tropics.

Household Preparations

The following information will assist you in keeping your home and family safe in the event of a hurricane:

1. Develop a personal disaster plan that includes where to go if you have to evacuate, how to prepare your property and personal belongings, and what to include in your kit.
2. Check your insurance coverage.
3. Trim your trees and bushes in May so they will survive damaging winds.
4. If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans to leave early.
5. If you plan to stay at home, take refuge in an interior hallway or smaller room with no windows, like a closet near load bearing walls.
6. Keep a mattress nearby to protect your head.
7. Make sure to leave a clear path to exit in case of fire and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Only use battery-operated lamps or flashlights.

Hurricane Kit

The Basics

• Bottled Water - 1 gallon per person, per day
• Manual Can Opener
• Non-Perishable Foods
• Flashlight - 1 per person
• Portable Battery-Powered Lanterns
• Battery-Operated Radio
• Extra Batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Mosquito Repellent
• Sun Screen - 45 SPF Recommended
• Waterproof Matches/Butane Lighter
• Money - Cash
• Unscented Bleach or Water Purification Tablets - Add 8 droplets of bleach per gallon of water
• Maps of Surrounding Area Showing Landmarks

Cooking

• Sterno Fuel
• Portable Camp Stove or Grill
• Stove Fuel or Charcoal with Lighter Fluid
• Disposable Eating Utensils
• Napkins and Paper Towels
• Aluminum Foil
• Oven Mitts

Baby Supplies

• Disposable Diapers
• Formula, Food, & Medication
• Bottles and Feeding Utensils

Pet Supplies

• Dry and Canned Food for 14 Days
• ID Tags and Collars
• Proof of Recent Immunizations
• Water (1/2 Gallon per day, per pet)
• Litter Box and Supplies
• Carrying Container

Personal Supplies

• Prescription Medicines - 1 month supply and copy of prescriptions
• Toilet Paper
• Entertainment - Books, Games, Magazines
• Bedding - Pillows, Sleeping Bag
• Changes of Clothing
• Rain Poncho and Work Gloves
• Extra Glasses or Contact Lenses

Other Necessities

• Tool Box
• ABC-Rated Fire Extinguisher
• Masking or Duct Tape
• Outdoor Extension Cords
• Spray Paint
• Local Phone Book

Important Documents

• Insurance Documents
• A List of Important Contacts - Family, Doctors, Insurance Agents
• Banking Information
• Lease/Mortgage Papers
• Proof of Occupancy - Utility Bill
• Photo Inventory of your Personal Belongings
• Waterproof Container to Store Documents