A hurricane is a large storm system that forms over an ocean and frequently heads toward land. Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (rising water levels), flash flooding, and tornadoes. These systems are hazardous and may cause destruction far from where they originate. Be prepared now so you can stay safe.
What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?
Make plans to stay safe.
Make a plan to evacuate safely and to shelter in the event of high winds and flooding. Collect the supplies and information you will need now to prepare for the storm.
Plan to Evacuate.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and go to a safe place.
- Know where you will go and how you will get there.
- Plan well in advance if you will need help leaving or use public transportation.
- Mobile/manufactured/trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) cannot provide safe shelter from tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds. Don’t depend on them to be your safe place.
Plan to Shelter Safely.
- Be ready to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for an extended period.
- Practice safety drills by going to a designated safe shelter in the case of high winds. The best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is unlikely to flood.
If you are in a flood zone, choose a location on higher ground that you can quickly reach before floodwaters arrive.