SWEPT - HURRICANE

Be Prepared - Stay Calm - Follow Emergency Guidelines

Before the Hurricane

Surviving a hurricane requires careful preparation and adherence to safety guidelines.
Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe during a hurricane:

Stay Informed:
Monitor weather updates from reliable sources.
Pay attention to evacuation orders and follow the guidance of local authorities.

Evacuation Plan:
Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place.
If authorities recommend evacuation, leave early to avoid traffic congestion.

Emergency Kit:
Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight,
batteries, important documents, and a first aid kit.

Secure Your Home:

Reinforce windows with storm shutters or plywood. Trim trees and secure outdoor furniture. Turn off propane tanks and unplug appliances.

Communication Plan:

Establish a communication plan with family members.
Keep important contacts and documents in a waterproof container.

During the Hurricane:

Stay Indoors:

Seek shelter in a sturdy building, away from windows.
Avoid using candles; use flashlights instead.

Stay Updated:

Listen to a battery-powered weather radio for updates.
Follow official instructions and alerts.

Safe Room:

If you have a designated safe room, stay there during the storm.

Power Outages:

Use generators outdoors and away from windows.
Conserve cell phone battery and use it only for emergencies.

After the Hurricane:

Safety Check:

Wait until authorities declare it safe before leaving your shelter.
Be cautious of hazards like downed power lines and flooded areas.

Assess Damage:

Check your home for damage but do so carefully.
Avoid flooded areas as they may be electrically charged or contain hidden dangers.

Communication:

Let family and friends know you're safe.
Follow local news for updates on road conditions and recovery efforts.

Assistance and Resources:

Seek assistance if needed, and take advantage of local resources for recovery.

Avoid Floodwaters:

Stay away from floodwaters, as they may be contaminated or hide dangerous debris.

Remember, each hurricane is unique, and conditions can change rapidly. Always follow the guidance of local authorities and emergency services.
Preparedness is key to minimizing risks and ensuring your safety during and after a hurricane.

Checklist and Supplies

Preparing to Evacuate.

Evacuation Plan
Find out if you would need to evacuate. Don't travel hundreds of miles, only far enough away from evacuation area.
Plan your evacuation route. Have an alternate route. Leave when ordered to.
Plan for your pets. Most local shelters do not permit pets.
Keep a flashlight, cell phone and portable radio with you at all times.
Keep trees around your home trimmed well before a storm to prevent damage.
Have the proper materials(Tapcons with drill bit and plywood) in advance to board up your windows.
Bring loose outdoor items such as patio furniture inside.
Secure all doors on your property. The garage door is the most vulnerable.

Check your insurance

Check your storm and flood insurance

Check your insurance policies well ahead of the storm to see what is covered.

Make sure you have flood insurance. Flooding is the leading cause of damage from tropical storms.

Visit floodsmart.gov to learn about your flood risk and flood insurance options for your area.

Prepare your home and vehicles according to your specific insurance policies to ensure damages are covered.

Prepare your home and vehicles according to your specific insurance policies to ensure damages are covered

Know where your insurance documents and contact information are located. Take them with you if you evacuate.

Other supplies:

E-mail Address: