These tips will prepare you for what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. 

BEFORE:

• Build an emergency kit.
• Know you’re the routes you need to leave your home (evacuation routes). Locate your local emergency shelters.
• Closely watch/listen to the weather reports. Listening every hour as the storm nears.
• Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and ATMs may be closed after a hurricane.
• If you leave (evacuate), be alert to flooded or washed-out roads. Just a few inches of water can float a car. Think: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
• Cover windows with permanent storm shutters or board up windows with 5/8” plywood, cut and ready to install. Tape does not stop windows from breaking.
• Put in straps or extra clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will lower roof damage.
• Trim trees and shrubs around your home, so they are more wind resistant.

DURING:

• Listen to the radio or television for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off gas, water and power if you are told to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Try not to use the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Make sure you have a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.

AFTER:

• Stay tuned to local radio, television or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest news.
• Stay alert for extra rainfall and following flooding even after the storm has ended.
• Drive only if needed. Stay away from flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Stay off the streets. If you must go out, look for fallen objects, downed electrical wires, and weakened bridges, roads and sidewalks.
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines. Report them as quickly as you can to the power company.
• Do not drink or make food with tap water until you are sure it’s not dirty.
• NEVER use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or other enclosed areas, even when using fans or opening doors and windows for airing. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up in these areas and can stay around for hours, even after the generator has shut off.

For more tips visit readync.org.