You are at risk for all Hurricanes especially if:

• You live outside of levee protection

• You live in a mobile home or recreational vehicle

• You live in a low-lying area or on the coast

 Everyone is especially at risk if a hurricane is a category 3 (slow) or 4 and 5 (slow or fast)!

 Evacuation Considerations

1.  Has your area been advised to evacuate by local and/or state officials via radio and/or television?

2.  When recommended to evacuate, will public shelters be available locally or outside the local area?

3.  These are the available hurricane evacuation routes. The actual suggested routes will be broadcast via the Emergency Broadcasting System. These routes will be determined by the track of the storm and possible rainfall flooding prior to the storm making landfall.

      Create Your Disaster Plan

·    Prepare a “Personal Evacuation Plan.”

·    Select safe and reliable transportation of your own or arrange to share a ride with a friend or neighbor.

·    Do not drive on flooded streets.

·    Arrange to stay with family or friends in an area not at risk.

·    Since pets are not allowed in shelters, make arrangements for them in advance.

·    Decide on a place for family members to meet if you are separated by disaster and cannot return home.

·    Establish an out-of-state point of contact for separated family members. Sometimes it’s easier to place an out-of-state call than to call locally during a disaster.

·    Post emergency numbers by telephones.

·    If you decide to evacuate, post a note telling others when you left and your destination.

 Prepare Your Home

·    Trim trees and shrubbery.

·    If your home does not have storm shutters, pre-cut plywood shutters for every window in your home using 5/8” plywood.

·    Show each family member how to turn off water, gas, electricity, and discuss when it is appropriate to do so.

·    Eliminate fire hazards and secure objects that could cause injury in your mobile home during a disaster.

·    If in a mobile home, check tie-downs.

Prepare Disaster Supply Kit

·    Water:  Store a three day supply of water (one gallon per person per day), preferably in plastic containers.

·    Food:  Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.  Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking, or preperation.

·    First Aid Kit: Prepare a first aid kit that includes your family’s prescription medications.

·    Tools And Supplies:  Battery powered radio, battery powered flashlight, extra batteries, extra set of car keys, credit card, cash or travelers’ checks, sanitation supplies and an extra set of eyeglasses.

·    Clothing And Bedding:  Set aside one change of clothing and footwear per person and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.

·    Special Items:  Include any special items needed for the care of infants, elderly or disabled family members.