Annual Preparedness Activities

• Know Your Zone! Identify your vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
• Develop and maintain a Family Disaster Plan. Discuss your plan with your family and update your plan annually.
• Review your insurance policies. Make sure your policy includes wind and hail and consider flood insurance. Homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and usually takes 30 days to take effect. Check out www.floodsmart.gov for more information on your flood risk.
• Have a plan for your pets. Pets are not permitted in American Red Cross shelters, so plan early how you will care for your pet in an emergency.
• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit, make sure to stock or restock non-perishable food items and replace batteries. Be prepared to be on your own for up to two weeks after a hurricane.
• Take pictures or videotape the inside and outside of your home to include your personal belongings. Update you inventory as your acquire more items.
• Put copies of important documents in a safe place, preferably a waterproof container. Important documents can include passports, birth certificates, insurance policies or anything else that might be needed immediately or cannot be easily replaced.
• If you have prescriptions drugs make sure to document the RX number, name, address and phone number of the pharmacy where you fill your prescriptions and the administering doctor’s name and phone number.

Actions You Should Take During The Threat Of A Hurricane

• A NOAA weather radio is an excellent source for real-time weather information and warnings.
• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane updates and public safety information
• Review your Family Disaster Plan.
• Go through your Emergency Supply Kit; check the dates on your water, food items and batteries.
• Familiarize yourself with your evacuation route and decide early when you will leave and where you will go.
• Keep the fuel tank as full as possible. In an evacuation, gas may not be readily available.
• Have enough cash for a few days because ATM’s may not work during power outages and stores might not be able to take debit and credit cards. Be sure to have plenty of small bills, as it may be difficult to get change.
• Fill prescriptions that might be needed and stock up on any necessary medical supplies.

5 Mitigation Tips for your Home

1. Protect Doors and Windows.
   1. Mark sure shutters are approved for large missile impact.
   2. Gable end vents should be shuttered to keep water out.
   3. Garages should be shuttered or braced.
2. Secure Roof Shingles
   1. Look for missing, broken, cracked or loose roofing material. (stay on the ground and use binoculars)
3. Seal Openings, Cracks and Holes
   1. Fill holes with caulk where wires, cables and pipes enter the house
4. Strengthen Soffits – need to be fastened with stainless steel screws
   1. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed
   2. Limit yard objects
5. Test your generator proper operation. Have extra gas or diesel to maintain your generator during and after the hurricane.

Pets

Review the plan for your pets. Call your veterinarian or boarding facility to reserve a place for your pet. Pets are not permitted in American Red Cross shelters. Or click here for a list of pet friendly hotels.