Hurricane Prep Tips

When a major storm is coming, stay informed by following NOAA Weather radio or your local news channels for updates. In addition, make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities. Follow these 10 hurricane and storm preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes. 

 

Store important documents 

Keep important documents, such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license and financial papers, as well as valuables such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box or in a bolted safe in an interior closet in your home.

​

Have your insurance information handy

Claims will come in fast after a widespread event and getting your claim filed right away is the first step in getting your home repaired and restoring your family's normal standards of living as quickly as possible.

​

Make a plan
If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well. 

 

Secure the exterior
Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys indoors. If necessary, secure outdoor sculptures with burlap or blankets tied with rope. 

 

Secure Winds & Doors
Protect windows, doors and skylights with appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection. 

 

Check wall hangings and art
Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls are taken inside, and elevated off the floor. Click here for more tips on how to help protect your art and other valuables from

severe storms, winds, and floods. 

 

Move your cars
Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.

 

Power up
Fill your car’s gas tank, charge your cell phone, test your generator and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages.

 

Unplug appliances
Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.

 

Prep an emergency kit
Gather flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.

 

Identify a shelter room
This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.

​

For more tips on how to prepare for a hurricane, check out these resources from Ready.gov.