Unless you live in a coastal or low-lying area, an area that floods frequently, or in manufactured housing, emergency managers may not ask you to evacuate. If you stay, it’s important to HAVE A PLAN that keeps you safe in your home. Decide now Should I Stay or Should I Go.

Before a Hurricane

• Make a personal hurricane plan.
  • Review and rehearse the plan with the entire family.
• Know your evacuation zone.
• If someone has special needs and needs assistance, contact Emergency Management to get them registered before the hurricane.
• Fill bathtub with water for hygiene purposes.
• Fill containers with water (one-gallon per person and pet per day).
• Fill vehicle gas tanks.
• Get cash (ATMs may be unavailable).

Items you need to have and what you need to do regardless of your decision to stay or go.

• Have a disaster supply kit.
• Inspect your home to determine how well it will withstand major hurricane winds.
  • This may require hiring a building engineer or contractor to inspect your home.
• Maintain the outside of your home.
  • Repair loose fixtures.
  • Trim dead branches from trees.
  • Store and secure loose lawn items and furniture
• If you don’t have pre-installed shutters, measure all windows for plywood covers.
  • Pre-cut the plywood and install anchors.
  • Reinforce all entryways and garage door, especially if the home was built before 1993.
  • Homes built after 2002 are designed to meet higher building codes, however still require shutter and door reinforcements for maximum protection.
• Review all insurance policies to ensure they are up-to-date and provide adequate coverage.
• Learn the storm surge history and flood potential of your area.
• Take a written inventory of belongings.
  • Videotape or take pictures of the inside and outside of your home.
• Ensure your pets have tags with address and phone number.
  • Have current photos of pets and have current vaccination papers and at least a two week supply of a special medication for your pets in your hurricane kit.

During the Hurricane
If you plan to stay:

• Stay inside at all times.
  • Wind and rain can temporarily calm down if the eye of the hurricane passes right over you. But, it will pick up again.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Listen to local media for continuous coverage of the storm.
• Have a set of "rabbit ears" or other small antenna on hand if cable or satellite is interrupted.
  • If power is lost, tune your radio to your local hurricane information.
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for additional severe weather or emergency information.

If you plan to evacuate:

• Determine in advance where you will go.
  • How you will get there.
  • Where you will stay.
• Have a backup plan.
• Take your hurricane survival kit with you.
• If you plan to evacuate to a public shelter, familiarize yourself with local public shelters and what to do with your pets.

 After the Hurricane

• Listen to local radio stations and your NOAA Weather Radio for emergency information.
• Do not use public water for cooking or drinking until you are notified it is safe.
• Only use telephone for emergencies.
• Carefully survey any damage.
• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Keep children from playing in standing water and make sure they are wearing shoes.
• Videotape or photograph your home prior to making any temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
  • Document any repairs made and keep all receipts for every transaction.
• Clearly mark the street address on your home so insurance adjusters and repair crews can identity your location.
• Contact your insurance agent.
• If you have evacuated, do not attempt to return home until local officials have announced it is safe.