Hurricane season has begun, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted the 2022 season will be a busy one for us near the Atlantic Ocean. As our city and county governments continue their preparations, we can do our part to make sure we are ready to weather the storm if it comes our way.
How To Prepare
- Make an Emergency Plan
- Know your Evacuation Zone and map your route
- Recognize Warnings and Alerts
- Sign up for your community’s emergency warning system
- Identify who in your home might need extra help during an emergency
- Create a Communication Plan with family and friends
- Check your smoke detector batteries
- Review important documents and insurance policies
- Strengthen your home
- Declutter drains and gutters
- Bring in loose, lightweight items that could get tossed by the wind
- Charge all devices
- Create an inventory of household possessions and value (take photos of every room, drawer and closet)
- Backup computer files on a USB drive or hard drive
- Help your neighbors
- Fill your gas tank
- Gather supplies, see list below
Gather Supplies
Food
Cooler
Waterproof container
Three-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned or pouched food
One gallon of water per day for each person and pet
Food for special diets
Manual can opener
Health and Personal Hygiene Items
Extra medications and prescriptions
Cold packs for medications
Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
Toothpaste/Toothbrush
Hairbrush
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer/wipes
Tent, blankets, pillows
Clothes and sturdy shoes
Rain gear and towels
Important Documents and Precious Items
Cash, checkbook, credit cards
Current photo ID, birth records, Social Security card, passport
Health insurance and prescription cards
Bank account info
Property deeds, leases, mortgages
Vehicle titles, insurance
Priceless items you don’t want lost or damaged
Multi-Use and Tech Items
Flashlights
Multi-purpose tool
Battery powered radio
Batteries
Cell phone portable charger and car charger
Matches and lighter
Road maps
Car repair supplies (spare tire, tire patch kit, oil, tools)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Supplies for Children
Baby food and formula
Bottles
Diapers
Books, games, toys
Blankets
Pet Supplies
Three-day supply of pet food, water and bowls
Pet medications and vaccination records
Crate or carrier (these may be required in shelters)
Leash and toys
Cat litter and box
Photo of pet in case they get lost
First-Aid Kit
Two compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 band-aids of different sizes
First-aid tape
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortisone ointment
Pain reliever (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
Instant cold pack
Two pairs of medical gloves
Oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers
Two roller bandages
Two elastic bandages
Ten sterile gauze pads of different sizes
Two triangular bandages
First-aid instruction booklet
Additional Info
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service issues alerts when weather conditions suggest a hurricane is coming. Familiarize yourself with these terms:
- Advisory — The NWS categorizes these alerts when conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous. If caution is used in these conditions, they should not be life-threatening.
- Watch — A watch is issued when a tropical storm or hurricane is possible within 48 hours. You should begin monitoring alerts from the NWS, local radio/TV/news sources for updated information. Prepare your emergency supplies and gather needed items to prepare for the possibility of a loss of power.
- Warning — The NWS will issue a warning when a hurricane or tropical storm is expected within 36 hours. During a warning, complete your storm preparations and leave the threatened area if directed to by local officials.