What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO franchises are always ready to help storm-damaged areas.

What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (rise in water level), flooding, and tornadoes. These storms are dangerous and can cause damage to places far inland. Prepare now so you can stay safe.

Make a Plan.

Hurricane season starts on May 15 in the north Pacific and June 1 in the Atlantic and the Caribbean. It ends on November 30. Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared by planning ahead.

Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house. Program them into your cell phone too.

Prepare an emergency supply kit.

Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them in the event of a storm external icon.

Pet owners: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation. Local animal shelters may be able to offer advice on what to do with your pets if you are asked to evacuate your home.

Plan to Evacuate

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and go to a safe place.

Know where you will go, how you will get there, and where you will stay. 

Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or using public transportation.

Mobile/manufactured/trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds.

Plan to Shelter Safely

Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for a long time.

Practice going to a designated safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not likely to flood.

If you are in an area that is likely to flood, designate a location on higher ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach you. Being informed of local weather conditions is the best way to help take care of your family and property.