Preparing for hurricane season is crucial. Please take time and read over the preparedness tips and lists of how you can ensure the safety of your family and property.

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

Understand Alerts:

• Alert Systems: Sign up for local emergency alerts and weather notifications via text or email. Many communities have alert systems to provide emergency notifications.

• NOAA Weather Radio: Keep a NOAA Weather Radio handy for real-time updates from the National Weather Service.
• Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning.
• A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical storm-force winds (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) to start.
• A hurricane warning is more serious. It means hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical storm-force winds are expected to give people enough time to prepare.

Make a Plan:

• Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them accessible (on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house). Program them into your cell phone as well.

Communication Plan:

• Ensure all family members know how to reach each other and where to meet if separated.
• Establish a couple of meeting points: one near your home and one outside your neighborhood, in case you can’t return home.
• Choose an out-of-town contact person everyone can reach.

Evacuation Routes:

• Familiarize yourself with several routes out of your area and practice driving them.

• Locate the nearest shelter and different routes from your home.

Get your car ready:

• Make sure your car is ready before the storm hits.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Move cars and trucks into your garage or under cover.
• Always keep an emergency kit in your car.

Special Needs:

• If you have family members with special medical needs, ensure you have the necessary supplies and equipment ready to take with you.

Insurance:

• Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to ensure it covers hurricane damage.
• Take pictures or videos of your home’s contents for insurance purposes.

Pets:

• If you have pets, pre-identify shelters, pet-friendly hotels, or out-of-town friends or relatives where you can take your pets during an evacuation.