Hurricane Season Preparations (June 1 - November 30)
 
1. First, get important papers and special photos in order and secured in plastic.
 
2. Think ahead and take video or photos of your property.
 
3. If staying with relatives is not an option, map out several different routes to hotels or motels in nearby states. Find the location of local shelters.
 
4. Remember your pets, it could be a long time before you return and pets can not be left in home. Keep this in mind and try to find alternate housing for your loved one until it is safe to return, or check out pet-friendly hotels.
 
5. Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary shelter.
 
6. Prepare your Hurricane Kit.
 
7. Remember that ATM’s will be non-operating if power goes out, so have at least some hard cash in your Hurricane Kit to see you through the storm.
 
8. If you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your home.
 
9. When TV and computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring pages are always great distractions for the kids.
 
10. Finally, STAY INSIDE.
 
Hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of weather updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious. In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better to be safe than sorry.
 
For more information visit the Department of Homeland Security website at www.ready.gov.