Hurricanes

Hurricane Watch Preparations

A hurricane watch means a hurricane may threaten but is not imminent.

Finish getting ready.
Monitor television/radio storm reports.
Fill up your car with gasoline.
Get cash from your bank account.
Tape, shutter or board up windows.
Finalize plans for protecting people who rely on life support equipment that runs on electricity.
Assist neighbors who are elderly or sick, or who have small children, in making storm preparations.
Arrange for pets to be brought indoors or boarded at a kennel during the storm. Do not leave pets where they could be trapped by flood water.

A hurricane warning means a hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours.

Listen constantly to official information on radio and television reports.
Use the telephone sparingly.
Obey evacuation orders.
Brace doors, lower antennas, remove canvas awnings.
Anchor or bring outdoor items inside, including garbage carts and recycling bins.
Finish taping or boarding windows.
Relocate boats inland or move boats on trailers close to a building and fill with water to secure from winds. Lash boat to trailer and secure trailer.
Make sure mooring lines on boats in water are secure and properly sized for the size of the boat.
Place valuables in watertight containers and store in a high place.
Finish gathering emergency supplies.

Stay away from windows and doors. Keep draperies closed.
Do not leave candles burning unattended. Stand candles in tall jars.
Stay in a basement or a windowless interior room on the lowest floor, such as a bathroom or closet, or beneath a sturdy table in a large interior room.
Stay out from under heavy objects on upper floors, like pianos or refrigerators.
For protection from flying debris, cover your body with quilts, blankets or sleeping bags. Protect your head.