Hurricanes
A hurricane watch means a hurricane may threaten but is not imminent.
- Finish getting ready.
- Monitor television/radio storm reports.
- Fill up your car with gasoline.
- Get cash from your bank account.
- Tape, shutter or board up windows.
- Finalize plans for protecting people who rely on life support equipment that runs on electricity.
- Assist neighbors who are elderly or sick, or who have small children, in making storm preparations.
- Arrange for pets to be brought indoors or boarded at a kennel during the storm. Do not leave pets where they could be trapped by flood water.
A hurricane warning means a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours.
- Listen constantly to official information on radio and television reports.
- Use the telephone sparingly.
- Obey evacuation orders.
- Brace doors, lower antennas, remove canvas awnings.
- Anchor or bring outdoor items inside, including garbage carts and recycling bins.
- Finish taping or boarding windows.
- Relocate boats inland or move boats on trailers close to a building and fill with water to secure from winds. Lash boat to trailer and secure trailer.
- Make sure mooring lines on boats in water are secure and properly sized for the size of the boat.
- Place valuables in watertight containers and store in a high place.
- Finish gathering emergency supplies.
- Stay away from windows and doors. Keep draperies closed.
- Do not leave candles burning unattended. Stand candles in tall jars.
- Stay in a basement or a windowless interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet, or beneath a sturdy table in a large interior room.
- Stay out from under heavy objects on upper floors, like pianos or refrigerators.
- For protection from flying debris, cover your body with quilts, blankets or sleeping bags. Protect your head.