Hurricane

WHEN TO USE THISA hurricane is coming. You get days of warning — use them.

Know your plan
- Know your evacuation zone and two ways out.
- Know where the nearest shelter is — and that many don't take pets.
- Prescriptions filled, some cash on hand — ATMs may be down.
- Season: June 1 – November 30 (Atlantic).
Watch issued — ready the house
- Shutters up, or board the windows if you have the wood.
- Bring in everything loose — furniture, trash cans, toys.
- Fill tubs, buckets and jugs with water.
- Charge everything. Fill the gas tank.
- Documents in waterproof bags.
- Fridge and freezer to their coldest setting.
Why
A watch means hurricane conditions are possible in about 48 hours. A warning means expected within about 36 — late for boarding up, and stores empty fast. Taped windows still break.
Told to leave? Leave.
- Evacuation order = go now. Storm surge kills more people than wind.
- Staying? A room in the middle of the house, away from windows.
- The calm is the eye. Stay in — the other side hits soon, wind from the opposite direction.
- Don't walk or drive through floodwater.
After it passes
- Go home only when officials say it's safe.
- Every downed line is live.
- Never drive into moving water — 12 inches can carry off a car.
- Floodwater carries sewage and chemicals. Stay out of it.
- Photograph the damage before you clean up.
- Boil water until officials say the tap is safe.

Sources: FEMA / Ready.gov Hurricane Safety · National Hurricane Center

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.

Know your plan