Know Your Risk: Water & Wind
The first step of preparing for hurricanes is to know your risk. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
- Consider your threats: storm surge, flooding from heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes, rip currents
- Determine if you live in a flood prone area
- Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
- Identify your home’s structural risks (mobile homes & basements can be especially vulnerable)
Prepare Before Hurricane Season
The best time to prepare for hurricanes is BEFORE hurricane season begins. Avoid having to rush through potentially life-saving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- Develop an evacuation plan
- Assemble disaster supplies: food, water, batteries, charger, radio, cash
- Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions
- Create a communication plan with a hand-written list of contacts
- Strengthen your home
Understand Forecast Information
Prepare for hurricane season by knowing how to understand forecasts. They can tell you a lot about what is expected, including the storm’s paths, rainfall amounts, wind speeds, and more. There is a lot of information available days ahead of a storm, and it is important to understand what it means.
- Rely on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center & your local NWS office
- Know your alerts & the difference between a Watch and Warning
- Focus on potential impacts, regardless of storm size or category
- Know that deadly hazards occur well outside of the Forecast Cone
Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
Do you know what to do when a storm threatens? Prepare for hurricane season by taking the time now to understand the actions needed when time is of the essence.
- Protect your home: cover windows, secure doors & loose items
- Determine sheltering options and consider your pets
- Ready your go-bag, meds & supplies, charge phone, fill up/charge vehicle
- Help your neighbors, especially the elderly and other vulnerable people
- Follow evacuation orders if given
Stay Protected During Storms
Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm. Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials.
- Stay in your safe places from water & wind
- Have a way to get weather alerts and forecast updates
- Keep in mind that impacts can be felt far from the coast
- Listen to local officials & avoid travel unless ordered to evacuate
Use Caution After Storms
A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm. This is NOT the time to put your guard down. Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm.
- If you evacuated, only return home when directed it’s safe to do so
- Remain vigilant, as hazards remain: heat, downed powerlines, floodwaters & more
- Clean up safely: don’t push yourself, and check on neighbors
- Only use generators outdoors, 20+ feet from your home
- Prepare for the likelihood that help and communications may not be available
Take Action Today
Are you ready for hurricane season? Take action TODAY to be better prepared for when the worst happens. Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin pre-season preparations now. Make sure you understand how to interpret forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm. Even if you feel ready, there may be additional things you could do or learn.
- Determine your risk from water & wind
- Begin preparing now, before a storm
- Learn how to understand hurricane forecasts and alerts
- Learn what to do before, during and after a storm