Home Page > Consumer Assistance > Hurricane Plan Details
Hurricane Plan Information
Back to Main Hurricane Plan
Page
[top]
1. Automobile
Plan an evacuation route. Fuel your vehicle. If you evacuate, check your emergency
supplies. If time permits, also check on your neighbors.
[top]
2. Battery Operated Radio and Flashlights
Purchase a portable, battery-operated radio or television and extra batteries. Also
have flashlights and extra batteries on hand. NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR)
is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting continuous weather information
directly from the nearest National Weather Service office. NWR broadcasts official
Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
For more detailed information: National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[top]
3. Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, invisible gas. Carbon monoxide results
from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, such as wood, kerosene, gasoline,
charcoal, propane, natural gas, and oil. Carbon monoxide detectors trigger an alarm
based on an accumulation of carbon monoxide over time. Carbon monoxide detectors
require a continuous power supply, so if the power cuts off, then the alarm becomes
ineffective. Models are available that offer back-up battery power.
[top]
4. Cellular Phones
Cellular phones may be the only source of contact between family and friends. Check
cellular phones to make sure they work properly and are charged before the storm.
Also, have extra batteries and car chargers available.
[top]
5. Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers can become tripped during a major storm. When resetting circuit
breakers, wear dry, rubber soled shoes and stand on something dry and non-conductive
(dry piece of wood/wooden furniture). If the breakers will not reset or they continue
to trip, call a licensed electrician. This condition might indicate a short-circuit
in your electrical system. Be very careful around all electrical wires and equipment.
If you have any doubts about your home electrical system or are unsure of how to
proceed, call a professional, licensed electrician.
[top]
6. Cordless Phones
Power disruption may render cordless phones useless. Have at least one traditional corded phone because cordless phones may not function in the event of a power outage.
[top]
7. Disaster Supplies Kit
There are basics you should stock in your home. They are water, non-perishable food,
a manual can opener, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, sanitation supplies
and some tools. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation
in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, clean, covered
trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag.
Keep the following records in a waterproof, portable container:
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Other important family documents (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Photo IDs, passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Important telephone numbers
- Photocopies of credit and identification cards
For more detailed information:
Federal Emergency Management Agency
[top]
8. Displaced Wildlife
After the storm, beware of snakes, insects, and animals driven to higher ground
by flood water.
[top]
9. Downed Power Line
Power lines can be knocked down during a hurricane. Watch for downed power lines
when you approach your home. Consider all power lines energized and call your utility
company to report fallen power lines that you feel present a clear and imminent
danger to you or others.
For more detailed information:
American Red Cross
[top]
10. Electric Meter and Weatherhead
If your home is served by overhead power lines, look at the metal pipe above your
electric meter where the power line is or would be connected to your house. This
is called the weatherhead and it is part of your home wiring system and can become
damaged during a hurricane. There could be damage to the power line to your home,
the meter box or the equipment carrying the wire to your meter. If you see damage
to the weatherhead or the meter, call a licensed electrician for repairs before
you receive power.
For more information:
Your Electric Meter
[top]
11. First Aid Kit
A first aid kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sterile gauze pads and bandages
- Adhesive tape
- Sterile roller bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen
- Prescription & Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Laxative
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- A basic first aid manual (Contact your local American Red Cross chapter)
For more detailed information:
Florida Division of Emergency Management
[top]
12. Main Water Valve
A main water valve, often located by the curb, will allow you to shut off the water
to your home in case of emergency.
[top]
13. Outdoor Objects
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, garden tools, and hoses.
Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. Porch roofs, carports, screen enclosures,
awnings, canopies, air conditioner compressors, satellite dishes, antennas, solar
water heater elements and other roof-top equipment can be damaged by strong winds
and frequently this will lead to damage to the main part of your house. Some manufacturers
make kits for anchoring their equipment. If not, you may be able to make your own
and use the manufacturers’ own cover screw attachment points to anchor the equipment.
All it may take is a few right angle brackets to connect the equipment to a concrete
slab, a wood porch, or a wall. There need to be enough brackets to resist wind
forces from all directions.
[top]
14. Oxygen Generator (medically essential)
If someone in your house is dependent on electric-powered, life sustaining medical
equipment, review your "family" emergency plan for back-up power or make arrangements
to relocate.
[top]
15. Pets
Before evacuating, check with the local shelter to determine if pets are allowed
and under what conditions (carrier needed, type of pet, and size restrictions).
If not, check with your local animal shelter or animal hospital for options.
[top]
16. Portable Generator
Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly. Keep generators away from all open
windows (including your neighbor’s) to avoid fumes from going into a house. Never
run generators inside, or in a garage. Gasoline-powered generators produce deadly
carbon monoxide fumes. If you have a generator, also have a battery-operated carbon
monoxide alarm. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring, unless
the generator was professionally installed for that purpose. Power from a generator
connected to a home's wiring will "back feed" into utility lines, potentially injuring
severely or killing a neighbor or utility crew working to restore service. Never
refuel a hot generator or one that is running.
For more generator safety information:
Florida Division of Emergency Management
[top]
17. Refrigerator
Power outages can result in spoilage of fresh and frozen foods in a refrigerator/freezer.
If you are anticipating a power outage, turn your refrigerator and freezer to their
coldest settings ahead of time to keep food fresh if you experience a power outage.
Be sure to avoid opening and closing them during the outage.
[top]
18. Shutters
If a large window or door is broken open, the overall uplift forces that are trying
to lift the roof off your house may be doubled. Research has shown that protecting
the windows and doors can raise the wind speed required to lift your roof off your
house. A good way to protect your existing windows and doors from damage in hurricanes
is to install impact-resistant shutters over all windows and glass doors.
[top]
19. Water Supply
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils. You
should have at least a three-day supply of water and you should store at least one
gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half
gallon of water daily just for drinking. Also, be sure to have enough water for
cooking and general cleaning.
For more information:
Federal
Emergency Management Agency