Preparing for Hurricane Season

 

 

For businesses, this may involve establishing an emergency preparedness plan and educating workers about possible contingencies. Applicable workers should know how to prepare a building for a hurricane, such as by turning off utilities. Other steps may involve shoring up the business premises with storm protections or securing outdoor equipment.

 

For individuals and families, hurricane preparation may involve stocking up on nonperishable food items, assembling an emergency kit (e.g., first-aid supplies, a flashlight with batteries, medications, bottled water and a blanket) and bringing in outdoor possessions.

If a Hurricane is likely to hit landfall, your well-being is our main concern, so don’t wait to prepare for the storm’s arrival. For the latest news on the storm’s path, watch your local TV news or The Weather Channel, or visit National Hurricane Center. To help you prepare, here are four useful tips:

Evacuate if you’re told to.

Your family’s safety must be your main concern. Do not “ride out” the storm if the authorities tell you to evacuate. Know your evacuation routes, gas up your cars, air up your tires, pack your bags, and prepare to lock up and leave if you are told to. If high winds are predicted in your area, use plywood to board up your windows and glass doors.

 

Create a possessions inventory.

Walk through your house and property and create a video record of your belongings, describing them aloud as you go. Write down anything valuable that’s out of sight. Store your written inventory with your important papers in a waterproof container and take it with you if you evacuate.

 

Gather emergency supplies now.

If you plan to stay home, immediately gather supplies for at least 3 days without power, including flashlights, batteries, a radio, a gallon of water daily per person, nonperishable food, medications, baby and pet supplies, etc. Keep cell phones charged, and be sure your supplies are easily accessible.

 

Take action after the storm.

If you evacuate, don’t return home until the authorities say it’s safe. After the storm passes, re-do the video walk-around of your house and property and describe any damage.

• To register for federal disaster relief, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 / TTY 800-462-7585, or visit Disaster Assistance to see if you qualify for Individual Disaster Assistance.
• For step-by-step instructions to file a FEMA disaster claim—and how to work with your insurance company and their adjusters—visit fema.gov/nfip-file-your-claim.