While the Gulf Coast is a beautiful place to live and work, the threat of a hurricane is always there. Powerful winds and severe rain, along with other natural forces, have the ability to bring a community to it’s knees. Being prepared for the worst will help you and your family to overcome the aftermath should a hurricane strike your community. The simple guidelines below will help you to be prepared and know what to expect.

When A Hurricane Watch Is Issued:

• Check often for official bulletins on radio and television
• When a hurricane watch is issued, it means there is danger of a hurricane hitting within 36 hours
• Gas up your vehicle(s)
• Check mobile home tie downs
• Moor small craft or move them to shelter
• Stock up on canned provisions
• Check supplies of needed medicine and drugs
• Check batteries for radios and flashlights
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose outdoor material
• Board or shutter windows to prevent shattering
• Make plans early for special needs of elderly or handicapped family members
• Plan for your pets as they are not permitted in public shelters
• Store drinking water in clean bathtub, jugs, bottles and cooking utensils
• Get enough cash to last a few days as banks may be closed for several days
• Keep adequate cleaning supplies on hand for cleanup and emergency repairs
• Plan the route you will take if you must leave. Set an alternate route just in case
• Find out where the nearest shelter will be, and make sure it’s open before you leave
• If you haven’t already, inventory your property. List and photograph, also video will help if you receive damage
• Keep important papers in a safety deposit box, waterproof container, or the trunk of your car
• Plan ahead to stay with relatives who live inland, or make other arrangements

When a Warning Is Issued:

• Stay tuned to radio and television
• When a hurricane warning is issued, it means there is a danger of the hurricane hitting within 24 hours
• If an order to evacuate is issued for your area, secure your property and evacuate using your family plan or go to the nearest public shelter

Should I Stay or Leave ?

• If you live in a mobile home or low lying area, near a river that could flood, you should leave
• If you live on high ground, in a sturdy home, and are not in an ordered or evacuated area, you might consider staying
• Remember: if you stay, there are other elements to consider; there are plenty of tornadoes in a hurricane, lightning that could set your house on fire

If You Stay Home

• Board up windows and doors (allowing for emergency exits)
• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold
• Use phone only for emergencies
• Stay indoors, away from windows
• Opening the door to your attic will help equalize pressure on the roof

Before You Leave

• Leave early, in daylight if possible
• Take special need items: medical care, etc.
• Take small valuables and papers, but travel light
• Use local shelters only as a last resort
• Shut off water, gas, electricity at main stations
• If you evacuate, do not leave your pets unattended (pets are not allowed in shelters).
• Have in mind pre-planned arrangements for your animals prior to the hurricane. For complete information on pet disaster preparedness tips, contact your local chapter of the Humane Society
• Lock up your house
• Drive carefully

If You Use A Public Shelter

• Arrive early
• Drive up to the shelter entrance, unload, then park your car as Police instruct
• Expect limited space at the shelter
• Provide for your own needs:
  • Clothes
  • Food
  • Baby formula, diapers
  • Medicines, other special needs items
  • Blankets, pillows
  • Toys to occupy children
• Be prepared to cope. The shelter will be crowded and noisy
• Volunteer to help
• Be aware that some folks, by virtue of physical or mental condition, can become disoriented in a shelter environment
• Obey the directions of the shelter management
• DO NOT BRING PETS
• DO NOT BRING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
• DO NOT BRING FIREARMS
• Stay put until told that you may leave. People will not be allowed back in evacuated areas until advised by official public announcement.

Weather Terms You Need To Know

• Tropical Depression
  A tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained surface wind is 38 mph (33 knots) or less
• Tropical Storm
  A tropical cyclone in which maximum sustained surface wind is 39 – 73 mph (34-63 knots)
• Hurricane Watch
  An announcement for an area that a hurricane or hurricane conditions may pose a threat to coastal areas within 36 hours
• Hurricane Warning
  A warning that sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher associated with a hurricane with a hurricane is expected within 24 hours or less

Hurricanes Categories

• Category One – Windspeed of 74-95 mph
• Category Two – Windspeed of 96-110 mph
• Category Three – Windspeed of 111-130 mph
• Category Four – Windspeed of 131-155 mph
• Category Five – Windspeed greater than 155 mph

Storm Surge
An abnormal rise in sea level produced by a hurricane. Storm surges can be from four (4) feet above normal to as high as twenty (20) feet or more. Waves still continue to above the storm surge. This combination of high water and strong seas can be deadly. The storm surge accounts for most deaths during a hurricane.

Helpful Hints To Survive A Hurricane

• Being prepared is the key
• Stay calm and heed all warnings
• Underestimate, and you lose
• Evacuation, do it early – know how and when
• Stockpile nonperishable food (for two (2) weeks)
• Set up and keep a first aid kit. First aid knowledge is important
• Fire danger is high in a storm
• Disease is a threat in the aftermath
• Have a battery operated radio; keep fresh batteries handy
• Prior personal planning is essential
• Obtain enough cash to last several days (as banks may be closed several days)

Have A Family Disaster Plan
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere – at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?

Follow These basic Steps To Develop A Family Disaster Plan

• Gather information about hazards in your area
• Meet with your family to create a plan
• Implement your plan when a hurricane watch is declared for your area. Plan the route you will take if you must leave. Have an alternative route. Tune into your local radio stations for available shelter information
• Practice and maintain your plan
• Arrange for one family member not in your area to notify friends and family of your whereabouts and status.