Hurricane Preparedness

As hurricanes worsen each year, there are steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe and minimize damage to your property.

Before a Hurricane

Stay Informed

Make sure you have access to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) radio broadcasts:

• Find a NOAA radio station online.
• Search for a NOAA radio app wherever you purchase your apps.
• Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA radio.

Prepare to Evacuate Quickly

Follow all emergency mandates, including evacuation orders. Locate a local emergency shelter or other safe destination ahead of time and know your routes. Pack a safety kit with basic requirements, such as:

• Supplies of food, water, necessary medications and cash (should power outages interfere with electronic transactions).
• Extra clothing.
• Flashlights, cell phones and charging options, and portable radios and extra batteries.
• A first aid kit.

Protect Your Home

• Cover windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in one-half inch marine plywood that is precut to fit your doors and windows.
• Identify a place to store lawn furniture, outdoor toys, gardening tools and trash cans that is away from stairs and exits.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and unnecessary pressure on your awnings.
• Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home.
• Turn off utilities (if told to do so by authorities) to prevent damage to your home or within the community. If you shut off your gas, a professional is required to turn it back on.
• Unplug small appliances to reduce potential damage from power surges.
• Keep all vehicles well-fueled or charged in case of evacuation, as power failures render charging stations and gas pumps inoperable.
• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe deposit box or in a waterproof container, in a place less likely to be damaged by flooding. Keep in mind you may need quick, easy access to these documents.
• Take a few minutes to document the contents of your home with digital pictures or video and create a room-by-room inventory list, if possible.

During a Hurricane

• Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out (do NOT use candles).
• Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Avoid contact with floodwater — it may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.
• Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.

After a Hurricane

Follow Safety Guidelines After the Storm Has Passed

• If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
• Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket expenses.
• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA weather radio for updated information and instructions.

Return Home Safely

• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines.Report them to the power company immediately.
• Inspect your home’s structure and utilities and systems.
• Take pictures of home damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
• Make sure you have flashlights, cell phones and charging options, portable radios and extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

Notify NFP right away if you believe you will have a claim to file.