General Public
Hurricane Checklist
Here is a list of the many things
to consider before, during, and after a hurricane. Some of the
safety rules will make things easier for you during a hurricane.
All are important and could help save your life and the lives of
others.
Stay or leave?
When a hurricane threatens your
area, you will have to make the decision whether you should
evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in safety at
home. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should
leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the
storm and its potential for death and destruction.
In general
- If you live on the coastline
or offshore islands, plan to leave.
- If you live in a mobile
home, plan to leave.
- If you live on high ground,
away from coastal beaches, consider staying.
In any case, the ultimate
decision to stay or leave will be yours. Study the following
list and carefully consider the factors involved -- especially
the items pertaining to storm surge.
Beginning of hurricane
season (June): make plans for action
- Learn the storm surge
history and elevation of your area.
- Learn safe routes inland.
- Learn location of official
shelters.
- Determine where to move your
boat in an emergency.
- Trim back dead wood from
trees.
- Check for loose rain gutters
and down spouts.
- If shutters do not protect
windows, stock boards to cover glass.
When a hurricane watch is
issued for your area
- Check often for official
bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.
- Fuel car.
- Check mobile home tie-downs.
- Moor small craft or move to
safe shelter.
- Stock up on canned
provisions.
- Check supplies of special
medicines and drugs.
- Check batteries for radio
and flashlights.
- Secure lawn furniture and
other loose material outdoors.
- Tape, board, or shutter
windows to prevent shattering.
- Wedge sliding glass doors to
prevent their lifting from their tracks.
When a hurricane warning is
issued for your area
- Stay tuned to radio, TV, or
NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins
- Stay home if sturdy and on
high ground.
- Board up garage and
porch doors.
- Move valuables to upper
floors.
- Bring in pets.
- Fill containers
(bathtub) with several days' supply of drinking water.
- Turn up refrigerator to
maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
- Use phone only for
emergencies.
- Stay indoors on the
downwind side of house away from windows.
- Beware of the eye of the
hurricane.
- Leave mobile homes.
- Leave areas which might be
affected by storm tide or stream flooding.
- Leave early-in daylight
if possible.
- Shut off water and
electricity at main stations.
- Take small valuables and
papers but travel light.
- Leave food and water for
pets (shelters will not take them).
- Lock up house.
- Drive carefully to
nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation
routes.
After the all-clear is given
- Drive carefully. Watch for
dangling electrical wires, undermined roads, flooded low
spots.
- Don't sightsee.
- Report broken or damaged
water, sewer, and electrical lines.
- Use caution re-entering
home.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Check food and water for
spoilage.