Be safe and prepared for hurricane season Follow the checklist below

Secure your home in the event of power outages, damaging winds, storm surges and flooding.

What to Do:

• Cover windows with wood or hurricane shutters

• Trim trees and shrubs and clear rain gutters

• Reinforce garage doors

• Bring in outdoor furniture, trash cans and lawn ornaments

• Stay away from, and secure and brace internal doors and windows

In the event of a power outage, prepare the following:

• Gas – Fill tanks as far in advance of an approaching storm

• ATMs – Have extra cash on hand in case no local ATMs are working or accessible

• Cell phones – Charge your cell phone and limit use after power outage

• A/C – Loss of A/C is an uncomfortable side effect of losing power during a storm
  Prevent as much light from entering and warming the house by covering windows
  Only run battery operated fans in occupied rooms

• Water – Fill bathtubs and containers for washing and flushing

• Food – Turn your refrigerator temperature down and/or freeze any food or drinking water.
  Have a cooler and ice packs in case power outage lasts longer than 4 hours

• Know your community’s severe weather warning system and follow news reports closely

• Put a Hurricane Kit in your car ahead of time in case of mandatory evacuation.
  A Hurricane Kit contains the same items as listed below in What to Have below.

• Health/Safety – Your health and the health of your family members and pets are of the utmost importance.
  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a helpful guide on how to stay safe during a power outage.

What to Have:

• Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)

• A 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day)

• First Aid Kit (including prescription medicines)

  What to put in kit at American Red Cross website

• Personal hygiene and sanitary items

• Flashlights

• Battery operated radio

• Battery operated fan

• Waterproof container for cash and important documents

• Manual can opener

• Lighter or matches

• Cooler and ice packs

• Extra batteries for electronics

• Local maps

• A wrench and other basic tools

• Special needs items such as pet supplies and baby supplies (if applicable)

• An evacuation plan AND a plan if family members become separated

• Practice hurricane safety by being prepared for risks. Visit National Hurricane Center for more information.