Before the Storm
-
Cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home.
-
Learn the difference between a watch and a warning.
- A hurricane watch indicates that hurricane conditions are possible in your area within 36 hours.
-
A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are
possible in your area within 24 hours.
-
If you live in a flood-prone area, identify where to go if ordered to evacuate and the safest route
to get there. If there is a flood, you may only have minutes to get to
safety. Choose several places – a friend’s home in another town, a
motel or a shelter. Remember, public shelters and many motels don’t
allow pets in their facilities.
-
If your home or business is in a flood-prone area, make sure you have a
current flood insurance policy (not typically part of a standard
insurance policy). A 30-day waiting period is generally required to
purchase flood insurance, so take time now to visit your insurance
agent to learn more.
- Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take your policies with you if you need to evacuate.
When a Hurricane is Approaching
-
To help keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out, fill
plastic containers with water, leaving about an inch of space inside
each one (remember, water expands as it freezes). Place the containers
in the refrigerator and freezer. This chilled or frozen water will help
keep food cold for several hours if the power goes out.
-
Fill your bathtub with water to use for toilet flushing in case water
is unavailable following a storm.
-
Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items that could blow
away.
- Fill your car’s gas tank. Gas stations will be in short supply in a power outage.
After the Storm
-
Prepare to be without power, telephone or any outside services for a
week or more.
-
Watch out for downed power lines, weakened structures, rodents and
snakes, and avoid standing water.
-
Avoid drinking tap water unless officials say it is safe to do so. Eat
only foods you are absolutely sure are safe.
-
Operate generators outdoors only in a well-ventilated, dry area, away
from air intakes to the home. Never use a generator indoors or in
attached garages. Poor ventilation can result in carbon monoxide
poisoning or death.
- Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly fires can result.
More Information
- Hurricane Preparedness (American Red Cross)
- Hurricane Preparedness (FEMA)
- Hurricane Preparedness (Virginia Emergency Management)