Hurricane Season June 1 – November 30

Do You Know What To Do in the Event of a Hurricane?

Learn everything you need to know in our 2024 Hurricane Guide! 

Download the Complete Guide HERE

Things You Need To Know:

Storm conditions can vary on intensity, size and even the angle which the storm will approach your area. Understand what the forecasters and news reporters are saying:

Tropical Depressions have winds of  at least 38 mph. Wind speeds from 39-73 mph.

Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater.

Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center that wraps around the eye) is the most intense part of the storm. The greatest threats are damaging winds, storm surge and flooding.

 

Here are some important terms you may hear:

• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions possible in the area.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area.
  Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
• The Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm that has calmer conditions.
• Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
• Rain Bands: Bands coming off the storm that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and even tornadoes.
• Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.

During a hurricane watch, prepare your home and evacuation plan in case a warning is issued.

During a hurricane warning, carefully follow the directions of officials, and immediately leave the area if they advise it.

In the event of an Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory, which mean extreme sustained (ongoing) winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

 

The National Hurricane Center has the most up-to-date information on hurricane developments, forecasts, weather alerts, discussions, analyzing the data and more.

Have an Emergency Supply Kit Ready

This guide walks you through the basic items you should have for your emergency supply kit in the even of a storm.

Water
One gallon, per person, per day for three days. Keep in air-tight, plastic containers that are easy to access

Food
Three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Don’t forget food for your pets

First Aid
In an emergency, you or a family member may be injured. An adequate first aid kit can keep a minor injury from turning into a more severe one. You may even want to take a basic first aid class though the Red Cross or from the National Safety Council online.

Basic First Aid Items That Should Be in Your Emergency Supply Kit:

• Sterile gloves
• Sterile dressings
• Soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
• First Aid book
• Non-prescription drugs (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative)​

Sanitation

Sanitation is a significant environmental concern after a disaster. When sewer pipes are damaged or the sanitation system is not working, people and habitats in entire communities are at risk. Be prepared to take care of your waste for the same period of time as you’ve prepared for food and water. A basic sanitation kit should include:

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Feminine supplies
• Plastic garbage bags & ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Chlorine bleach
• Supplies for pet waste

Tools and Supplies

Here are some basic items that most people will need in a disaster:

• Cups, plates and utensils
• Light sources (battery operated flashlights, solar, even candles- be careful with candles
• Radio that works with batteries or a charging bank
• Charging Bank that is fully charged
• Manual can opener or a utility knife
• Small fire extinguisher
• Wrench to turn off gas and water lines
• Pliers
• Duct tape
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Plastic storage container to keep everything in one place

Documents

In preparation, scan valuable documents and store them securely online so they can’t be ruined by a disaster. It may be helpful to have copies of key items (like insurance cards and policies, social security number and passwords) in your kit as well. Take short videos to catalogue valuables in your home, such as vehicles, computers, furniture and artwork for insurance purposes:

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Being disaster-ready requires additional accommodations for older adults. Visit the National Council on Aging website for more resources for older adults.