If you guessed Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Ike – you were right! Read more about these disasters and our response in our post from 2013.
As hurricane season approaches, we have some tips to help you brush up on your preparedness so you’re ready in case another one hits. Crossing our fingers you don’t need them!
First, download the Red Cross Emergency App. In addition to hurricanes, it covers more then 30 disasters and emergency situations.
Top Hurricane Prep Tips
Here are 11 tips on what to do if a hurricane is headed your way:
- Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio (Available in the Red Cross Store) for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
- Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.
- Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (e.g., bicycles, lawn furniture).
- Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
- Turn off propane tank.
- Unplug small appliances.
- Fill your car’s gas tank.
- Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
- Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
- Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
The Respond and Recover tabs on our hurricane page offer a list of recommended hurricane supplies and tips for recovering after a hurricane as well.
Stay safe out there!