Hurricane

Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, high winds and tornadoes.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Know the difference between the threat levels and plan accordingly.

Hurricane Watch

Hurricane conditions are a threat within 48 hours. Review your hurricane plans. Get ready to act if a warning is issued, and stay informed.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

Know your surroundings. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood- prone.

Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.

Learn 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.

Make plans to secure your property:

Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.

Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down. Install a generator for emergencies.

If in a high-rise building, when high winds are present, be prepared to take shelter on a lower floor because wind conditions increase with height, and in a small interior room without windows. When flooding may be occurring, be prepared to take shelter on a floor safely above the flooding or prepare to evacuate.

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors. Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.

Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm – winds will pick up again.

If winds become severe, 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.

Avoid using elevators during storms in the event power is lost.