HURRICANES—Know the threat and be prepared.
What to do when a Hurricane Watch is issued.

    When a watch is issued it is important to use the time wisely to make final preparations. By the time a warning is issued, there often not enough time to gather all the items required and complete preparations to protect your home and property. Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind. Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use precut plywood as described above. Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended. Fill your car's gas tank. Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
  • Review your family disaster plan.
  • Assign family members tasks to accomplish your disaster plan.
  • Check often for official bulletins with local new media.
  • Fuel car, check all fluids, and tire pressure (including spare).
  • Check mobile home tie-downs.
  • Check disaster supplies kits (car, home, evacuation).
  • Fill critical medicines.
  • Store water.
  • Fill every available space in your freezer with water. Using plastic ziplock bags allows you to mold the containers in odd shaped spaces. This will preserve your frozen items longer in case of a power outage and will be an additional source of water.
  • Turn your freezer's temperature gauge to maximum.
  • Locate all important documents and store in waterproof containers.
  • Have a cash-on-hand reserve available.
  • Purchase extra film and store in the freezer for later use.
  • Move small boats to safe shelter.
  • Secure all items outdoors.
  • Install temporary shutters on all windows and glass doors.
  • Make evacuation reservations.
  • Secure provisions for your animals.
  • Alert your out-of-state communication center person/ persons.

A watch is when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch usually within 36 hours. Click HERE for a checklist.
A warning means that hurricane conditions are EXPECTED in the specified area of the warning usually within 24 hours. Click HERE for a checklist.
Shut off water, gas and electricity at the main source. Leave during daylight hours if possible.
Tune to local news media, keep calm, stay indoors (even if the “eye” passes directly in your path), shelter your fmaily in the house opposite of the wind’s direction.
Stay indoors, avoid using the phone, don't attempt to drive anywhere, and don't weather the storm in your boat or recreational vehicle.
Even though the storm has passed, there still may be life-threatening dangers waiting outside. Click HERE for an Aftermath Checklist.