What to Do if a Hurricane Watch or Warning Is Issued

What to Do if a Hurricane Watch or Warning Is Issued  
 
When a hurricane watch or warning has been issued, it's extremely important that you are prepared and know what to do. 

If No Evacuation Has Been Ordered 

Get updates from your local TV or radio station. 

Make sure you have a battery-powered radio, preferably a NOAA weather radio, and listen for up-to-date storm information. 

Keep your family emergency supplies kit, blankets and sleeping bags with you. 

Keep children and pets indoors. 

Call your family's emergency contact person to report your plans. 

Make sure you have cash and your car has a full tank of fuel in case you must evacuate. (If you are able … Have an extra 10 gallons of fuel on hand as gas stations tend to run out of fuel from the increased traffic of everyone evacuating!) 

Beware of high winds and flooding. (Never drive through moving water if you cannot see the ground through it - the force of the water may be more than the weight of your car; and when driving through a flood, take care. If it is deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around.)

If you are not told to evacuate, stay put. Roads should be available for emergency vehicles and those who must evacuate. 

Beware of a false sense of security. If winds die down, this could be the calm before the other half of the storm. 

Inside the Home

Fill containers with water from your tap and place them in the refrigerator for drinking water. 

Thoroughly clean bathtub with bleach and fill with water for drinking in case the water supply becomes contaminated. 

Place all valuables and records in a waterproof container and store on the highest floor of your home or in the safest area. 

In a Mobile Home 

Recheck tie-downs then leave immediately and take shelter elsewhere. 

Outside 

Protect all windows with shutters or plywood. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended. 

Anchor objects that could become projectiles in high winds. 

If Evacuation Is Advised 

Do not disregard an evacuation notice. 

Turn off water and electric utilities. 

Pack your Family Disaster Supplies Kit, extra blankets and sleeping bags. 

Lock windows and doors before leaving home. 

Follow recommended evacuation routes to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges. 

If you are on the immediate coast and in danger of a serious storm surge, but it is too late to evacuate, find a room, closet or alcove without windows on an upper floor for refuge until the storm passes. 

If you are not in a location susceptible to a coastal storm surge, go to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building to protect yourself against wind-related damage. 

Bring bedding, food and water for each family member, even if you plan to stay in a shelter.