Do You Know What Hurricane WATCH
& Hurricane WARNING mean?

WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours.

Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan!

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate.
  
• Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter.
  
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a local road map.
  
• You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
  
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions.
  
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately!

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit!

• First Aid Kit and essential medications.
  
• Canned food and can opener.
  
• At least three gallons of water per-person.
  
• Protective clothing, rainwear, bedding or sleeping bags.
  
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.
  
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
  
• Written instructions for how to turn off gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on).
  
• Or, purchase an Emergency Preparedness Survival Kit!

Prepare for High Winds!

• Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut 3/4" marine plywood for each window of your home.
  
• Install anchors for the plywood and pre-drill holes in the plywood so that you can put it up quickly.
  
• Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased or damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through.

What To Do When a
Hurricane WATCH is Issued!

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information.
  
• Prepare to bring in 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 pre-cut plywood as described above.
  Note: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking; taping windows is not recommended!
  
  
• Fill your car's gas tank.
  
• Re-check manufactured home tie-downs.
  
• Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water and medications.

What To Do When a
Hurricane WARNING is Issued!

• Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
  
• Complete preparation activities.
  
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
  
• Be aware, the calm "eye" is deceptive; the storm is not over.
  
• The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction.
  
• Trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds that blow from the opposite direction.
  
• Be alert for tornadoes!
  
• Tornadoes can be spawned by hurricanes.
  
• Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
  
• Stay away from flood waters.
  
• If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way.
  
• If waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground.

After a Hurricane!

• Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
  
• If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe.
  
• Inspect your home for damage. Use flashlights in the dark; avoid using candles.

PLAN & PREPARE!