Hurricane Preparation Tips

When A Hurricane Approaches

Use the following checklist to prepare
Assemble supplies
Transistor radio with new batteries
Flashlights, battery operated lanterns (Do not use candles or oil lamps; they can cause fires)
A full tank of gasoline in the car
Foods that don't require refrigeration or cooking (canned drinks, canned tuna, baked beans, bread, canned fruits, oranges, apples, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, other foods your family likes)
Water (1-2 quarts per person per day)
Non-electric can opener; battery operated clock
An Emergency Kit (antibiotic ointment, gauze bandages, adhesive tape, sterile pads, band-aids, scissors, non-prescription medications.
Infant care items (foods, disposable diapers, formula)
Special dietary foods if needed; prescription medications, personal aids like eyeglasses, hearing aids.
Disposable plates, spoons, forks, cups
Personal hygiene items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brush, towel
Pet foods
Books, magazines, cards, games, pencils, paper
Portable ice chest
Assemble valuable items
Cash for two to three weeks expenses
Insurance policies
Valuable papers--birth certificates, passports, wills, deeds
Photos or videos of house and property--describe property as you video.
List personal property, serial numbers and costs to save later insurance hassles
Package jewelry and other personal valuables
Prepare your home and property after a hurricane warning
Protect windows with plywood, shutters, or pressboard. Tape will keep glass from flying, but it will not keep windows from breaking.
Take all loose objects indoors--lawn chairs, plants in pots, toys, anything that can fly in the wind.
Moor, anchor or store your boat
Sterilize and fill bathtubs and washing machine with water.
Remove pictures and bric-a-brac from the walls.
Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar.
Close all drapes and blinds to keep glass from flying.
Turn off electricity to pool and add extra chlorine. Sink aluminum furniture in the pool.
Bring pets inside.
When you have to evacuate
Have a prearranged family plan to go to a shelter, motel, or friend's house. What you take with you will depend on where you go. Keep in mind that during and after the hurricane, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, essentially everything, will be closed and boarded up.
Leave early and follow the recommended routes.
Turn off main utility switches.
Lock and secure your home.
Take valuable papers and items and property video.
Take supplies that will be required at the place you've decided to stay.
If you go to a shelter, take several changes of clothing for each family member, sleeping bags, blankets, sheets, pillows, snacks, amusements.
Make sure you have made arrangements for pets. Shelters and most motels will not take them.

If you have storm damage, secure your
property to prevent further damage. File your claim with your insurer quickly as possible.
Call Behnke & Associates Insurance if you have questions.

Back to Hurricane Headquarters