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Home Preparatory Suggestions

There are a number of things which you should do before a hurricane threatens.  Some of these are outlined here, and a more complete reminder list is contained in a National Weather Service storm evacuation map.

Determine now whether your residence will be safe from flooding and wind damage. If you decide your family should relocate, make arrangements now with friends or relatives in a safer area.

Plan the route you will use to evacuate. Roads will be heavily congested with people fleeing the lowlands. Waiting too long may result in being stranded on the highways for the duration for the storm.

Train your family now in these hurricane plans, so that your family will be prepared in the event that road conditions preclude leaving the island.

Now is the time to check that you have hurricane supplies like non-perishable foods, water, flashlights, batteries, candles, material for covering windows, and perhaps of greatest importance, a good battery-powered radio.

When a hurricane “warning” is issued, lower antennas, anchor objects outside to protect windows, store small objects in your garage or other shelter, and check that your cars have adequate gasoline.

During the storm, stay inside the house away from windows. Remember that hurricanes may spawn tornadoes.

Following the storm, beware of conditions outside. Listen to the radio for reports by your city officials on drinking water quality, roads, and electrical hazards. When you do venture outside, you may be in a new world of physical hazards from glass, nails, fallen electrical wire, fallen trees, and snakes. 
 

Although we do not anticipate a hurricane, the danger always exists each year from June 1 to November 30; therefore, it is important that each of us be prepared.

More information can be found at: http://www.utmb.edu/storm/planning.htm.