The intensity of hurricanes that will hit land is measured in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. Even less intense storms can cause damage in areas that have not prepared in advance.
The intensity of hurricanes that will hit land is measured in terms of categories that relate wind speeds and potential damage. Even less intense storms can cause damage in areas that have not prepared in advance.
Before
.jpg)
Prepare your evacuation plan, including pets, transportation routes and destinations.
- Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed and clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Determine how and where to secure your boat.
- Consider building a safe room.
- Stay informed! Listen to a radio or the weather network or check local forecasts and news reports regularly.
- Cover your home's windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Bring in all outside furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.
- Turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
- Fill the bathtub or buckets with water to use for cleaning and flushing toilets.
- Keep your gas tank at least 3/4 full at all times.
- Keep your emergency supplies kit, including water, and copies of important documents, in a waterproof, portable container, in an easily accessible location
Evacuate under the following conditions:
If local authorities tell you to evacuate, follow their directions.
- If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure, which are particularly hazardous no matter how well fastened to the ground.
- If you live in a high-rise building.
- If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
- If you feel you are in danger.
- If you live in an area below sea level.
During
- If you choose not to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Notify out-of-area contacts of your decision. Close all interior doors and secure and brace exterior doors. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
- Don't be fooled by a lull in the storm—it could be the eye of the storm and winds could resume.
After
- Be aware of flooding and tornadoes.
- Stay out of flood waters, if possible.
- Stay away from downed power lines.
- If you evacuated, do not return to your home until local authorities say it is safe.
Developed by NFPA. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Domestic Preparedness.