Ready.gov\/hurricanes
\nA hurricane is a type of tropical cyclone or severe tropical storm that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
\nAll Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.
\nHurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Floods and flying debris from the excessive winds are often the deadly and destructive results of these weather events.<\/p>\n
To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
\nKnow your surroundings.
\nLearn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
\nIdentify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
\nLearn community hurricane evacuation routes and how to find higher ground. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you needed to evacuate.<\/p>\n
Cover all of your home\u2019s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5\/8\u201d marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
\nBe sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
\nClear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
\nPlan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
\nInstall or rent a generator for emergencies.
\nIf in a high-rise building, be prepared to take shelter on or below the 10th floor.<\/p>\n
Listen to the radio or TV for information.
\nSecure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
\nTurn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
\nTurn off propane tanks.
\nAvoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
\nEnsure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.<\/p>\n
If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
\nIf you live in a mobile home or temporary structure \u2013 such shelter are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
\nIf you live in a high-rise building \u2013 hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
\nIf you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an island waterway.
\nRead more about evacuating yourself and your family. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:
\nStay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
\nClose all interior doors \u2013 secure and brace external doors.
\nKeep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm \u2013 winds will pick up again.
\nTake refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
\nLie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
\nAvoid elevators.
\nContinue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
\nStay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
\nIf you have become separated from your family, use your family communications plan or contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS\/1-800-733-2767 or visit the American Red Cross Safe and Well site: www.safeandwell.org
\nThe American Red Cross also maintains a database to help you find family. Contact the local American Red Cross chapter where you are staying for information. Do not contact the chapter in the disaster area.
\nIf you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
\nIf you cannot return home and have immediate housing needs. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
\nFor those who have longer-term housing needs, FEMA offers several types of assistance, including services and grants to help people repair their homes and find replacement housing. Apply for assistance or search for information about housing rental resources
\nDrive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed\u00ac out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.
\nKeep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
\nWalk carefully around the outside your home and check for loose power lines, gas leaks and structural damage before entering.
\nStay out of any building if you smell gas, floodwaters remain around the building or your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.
\nInspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
\nIf you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
\nUse battery-powered flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles. Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering – the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
\nWatch your pets closely and keep them under your direct control. Watch out for wild animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
\nAvoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it\u2019s not contaminated.
\nUse the telephone only for emergency calls.
\nNEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for ventilation. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can linger for hours, even after the generator has shut off.
\nHurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (NFIP) Web site,www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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