Hurricanes: How to Prepare Your Family, House and Pets for the Worst

Experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are predicting a 75% chance for an above normal Atlantic Hurricane Season this year.  With Hurricane Ike just behind us, what is NOAA’s best advice?

Be prepared! You should be able to answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens:

• What are the Hurricane Hazards?
• What does it mean to you?
• What actions should you take to be prepared?

Here are some general safety tips to prepare your household for a natural disaster:

1. Discuss the types of hazards that could affect your family.  Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surges, flooding, and wind.
2. Locate the safest places in your home or community if a hurricane happens to strike.
3. Determine meeting places and escape routes beforehand. These should be measured in tens of miles, not hundreds.
4. Have an out-of-state friend so that your family has a single point of contact.
5. Prepare a plan for your pets.
6. Make sure your kids know how to dial 9-1-1 or other emergency contact numbers.
7. Check your insurance coverage. Flood damage isn’t usually covered by home-owners insurance.
8. Stock non-perishable emergency supplies included as part of your Disaster Supply Kit.
9. Use a NOAA Weather Radio.
10. Take first aid and disaster preparedness classes.

If you’re looking to thoroughly prepare your house, family or pets for an oncoming hurricane, check out these comprehensive guides:

Disaster Supply Kit - A list of important supplies for you to have on hand during a hurricane.

Secure Your Home - How to protect or retrofit your roof, straps, shutters, doors, and garage door.

Pet Plan - Your pets are a part of your family but have very different needs and restrictions. This guide will tell you what you need to help them before, during, and after the disaster.

Where To Go - You’ve made a decision to meet at a specific evacuation point.  This guide shows you what you need to consider in order to enact the plan safely.  

For more information check out: NOAA’s Hurricane Preparedness Web Site.