Hurricane Safety Tips

Getting your home and family ready to weather the storm - when and if it comes thundering your way - is key to hurricane safety.

There are a few simple yet effective things you can do to secure your home and belongings before a hurricane is imminent.

Among the most important is having an emergency plan in place so that every family member knows what to do and who to call if family members become separated during a hurricane.

These hurricane safety tips can help you prepare your home and family for the storms ahead.

Preparing Your Home for Wind and Rain

Whipping winds and rain - the effects of a hurricane can be devastating.

Strong winds that enter a house through broken windows or a patio or garage door will weaken the structure of your home, exposing it to more significant damage.

To protect your windows from breaking, have storm shutters installed, or create your own by buying precut sheets of 3/4-inch (2cm) plywood to fit each window.

Make sure they fit snugly and can be attached to the window quickly. Many companies offer braces that will protect your vulnerable patio and garage doors from high winds.

You might want to consider installing a new garage door that has been hurricane rated.

Many people don't think about the wind turbines that dot their roofs, though they're vulnerable to being blown off during high winds and will leave a gaping hole for the rain to come in.

Make sure there are no leaks in your roof and check the wind turbine regularly. Consider replacing the turbine with a style of wind vent that is less vulnerable to violent gusts.

Keep large plastic trash bags and drop cloths on hand to spread over furniture, computers, and other home valuables if your roof springs a leak.

During storm season, clear your yard of all loose objects - such as potted plants, bicycles, trash cans, and patio furniture - that can become lethal flying weapons in the grip of a raging storm.

Hurricane Safety When a Hurricane is Imminent

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane or tornado. When a hurricane or tornado is heading your way, for hurricane safety, here's what to do:

Listen to an NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service.

Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep the door closed as much as possible in case the power goes out.

Be packed and ready to leave if advised to do so by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.

Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.

Close windows, doors, and hurricane shutters.

Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.

Fill your car's gas tank. This ensure's you're ready to roll in the event of an evacuation.

A Family Hurricane Safety Plan

Make sure you and your family have a personal evacuation plan in the event of a hurricane, and a safe zone in your home in the case of a tornado.

Clipboard holding emergency evacuation plan.

For hurricane safety, make sure your family has a personal evacuation plan in place.

Determine where or how you'll find each other should a hurricane hit while you're all at your various locations during the day.

Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a shelter, or a hotel. Each family member should keep the phone numbers of your designed spots and a local road map handy.

If your regular routes are clogged or closed, you may need to take unfamiliar roads.

Disaster Supplies

Be sure you have a disaster kit ready to go, as well as the following supplies you'll need in case of a hurricane or tornado, and you're forced to weather the storm out at home:

Water - at least a 3-day supply. Plan for on gallon per person, per day.

A first aid kit and disaster survival supplies. Be sure to include medications (7-day supply) and medical items such as glasses and contact lenses.

Family and emergency contact list.

Extra cash.

Tools and supplies for securing your home.

Food - at least a 3-day supply. Choose non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food.

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Choose a NOAA Weather Radio, if possible.

Copies of personal documents. This would include a medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, and insurance policies.

You're at the mercy of Mother Nature when she unleashes her strongest elements. (And she's probably not as lovely a mother as you are.)

If you put these safety measures into place now - and prepare your home and family before storms darken the skies - you'll rest easier knowing that while hoping for the best, you're ready for the worst.