Review your evacuation route(s) and listen to local officials.

What does ‘hurricane watch’ mean and what should I do if one is issued? A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (high winds, storm surge) are possible within the next 48 hours. Consider a backup battery for your phone or laptop.ġ. Stay charged. Keep your phone and computers charged. Pay attention. Keep up-to-date with the information being put out by the National Hurricane Center. That means you cannot use a generator during a storm.ġ. Keep generators and other alternative power sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors, and protected from moisture. Remember, generators can be deadly if used incorrectly. Get a generator (maybe). Consider buying a portable generator. Clear your yard of unsecured items such as lawn chairs.Ģ. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property. If you can, trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe. Hurricane winds will cause trees and branches to fall. Preparing your home (Finish this by Tuesday)ġ. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet using the name of your town, city, or county and the word “alerts.” Get the information. Many communities have text or email alert systems for emergency notifications. Businesses that can open after a storm may not be able to accept debit or credit cards.ĩ. Get some cash. If the power goes out, it will be impossible to use ATMs. Make a plan. Use this list to make a family emergency communication plan.Ĩ. Gas lines will get long and some places will run short on supplies. You could be unable to leave your home due to flooding or blocked roads. Get your supplies now. If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days.

Use this Red Cross checklist. Look under the category “Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit.”ĥ. It should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. Put together a “go-bag.” Get a disaster supply kit together. Here is a basic pet emergency kit checklist: Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners-Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List.Ĥ.

The American Humane Society offers tips on preparing your pet for hurricanes on its website. Use this link to an Emergency Route Planner to find hotels and shelters that accept pets along the route you enter. Here is a link to pet-friendly emergency shelters. Here is a link to a list of hotels that accept pets.

Fl hurricane preparedness checklist