• Know the hurricane risks in your area, especially if it is hurricane season (June 1- November 30).

• Arrange shelter with friends or family from different towns/cities BEFORE a warning is issued (you can also look up motels).

• Learn safe evacuation routes that you can take when you need to get out of your area fast.

• Keep a file of important telephone numbers (weather officials, motels, friends and family) and include a map of the area.

• Obtain hurricane shutters or precut 1/2" outdoor plywood boards for each window of the house.

• Clear any clogged storm gutters and downspout -to decrease damage to your home during heavy rains.

• Remove all diseased and damaged limbs from trees on your property to prevent them from being easily thrown about by high winds.

• Stock up on batteries and drinking water.

• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

• Take pictures or video of your valuables.

• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency (designated marine shelters, your backyard, etc.).

• Buy a crate for your pet(s) and let them get used to it before the storm.

• Put a collar on your pet(s) with updated tags.

• If you plan to stay home, choose an easily cleaned room away from windows for your pet.

• Make sure you know which hotels accept pets, if you plan to stay the night in the event of an ordered evacuation.

• For each pet have a two-week supply of food, treats and water.

• Have plenty of newspapers and plastic bags to handle pet waste.

• Have current health records in zipper-locked plastic bags for all your pets.

There are four key warning terms that you should be aware of if you live in an area where severe weather conditions could occur.

Tropical Storm Watch – tropical storm conditions with sustained winds may threaten a specific area within the next 36 hours

Tropical Storm Warning – tropical storm conditions (winds 39 to 73 mph) are expected to affect a given area within the next 24 hours

Hurricane Watch – hurricane conditions are possible in the area specified and are likely to occur within the next 36 hours

Hurricane Warning – hurricane conditions with winds of over 74 mph are expected in the specified area (usually within 24 hours). Begin precautionary action at once.

Of course, floods caused by storm surges also pose a threat as hurricanes approach the land, and there are two more warnings to be aware of.

Coastal Flood Watch – possibility exists for the inundation of land areas along the coast within the next 12-36 hours.

Coastal Flood Warning – land areas along the coast are expected to become, or have already become, inundated by seawater above normal tidal levels.

• Listen to local television stations or radio for up to date weather advisories.

• Secure all mobile home tie downs and leave them (DO NOT WAIT THE STORM OUT IN THEM).

• Keep your first-aid kit handy.

• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.

• Turn off water and electricity.

• Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

• Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and only open when necessary to prevent food from spoiling.

• Stay in a secure room and away from windows.

• Do not use the phone or light candles.

• Put food and water out for pets if you cannot take them with you and you have decided to leave.

• If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately and be sure to notify a friend or family member outside the warned area of your plans.

• Realize that traffic will be heavy but there will be enough time to get to safety if you are patient.

• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

• Learn your community’s evacuation plans (these should be available through government emergency procedure websites or local weather stations).

• As a family, pick two places to meet outside your home incase you can’t return.

• Choose an out of state/province friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if you get separated.

• Teach children how to call 911.

• Have everyone learn how to turn off the gas, water and electricity for your home (those who are an appropriate age).

• Teach your family members how to use fire extinguishers.

• Store your disaster supply kit in easy to carry containers like backpacks and duffle bags.

• Keep important family documents in a waterproof container.

When a warning has been issued, be sure to keep your kit ready to go in case the storm suddenly intensifies and include the following items in it:

• First-aid kit (band aids, gauze, tape, scissors, etc.)

• canned food, dried goods and can opener

• 2 week supply of any needed medicine

• disposable plates and utensils

• minimum of 3 days drinking water (at least 3 gallons of water per person)

• protective clothing, rainwear, sleeping bags, blankets, extra clothing

• battery-powered radio, several flashlights, extra batteries

• personal items for infants or elderly family members

• extra set of car keys and extra cash

There are four key warning terms that you should be aware of if you live in an area where severe weather conditions could occur.

Tropical Storm Watch – tropical storm conditions with sustained winds may threaten a specific area within the next 36 hours

Tropical Storm Warning – tropical storm conditions (winds 39 to 73 mph) are expected to affect a given area within the next 24 hours

Hurricane Watch – hurricane conditions are possible in the area specified and are likely to occur within the next 36 hours

Hurricane Warning – hurricane conditions with winds of over 74 mph are expected in the specified area (usually within 24 hours). Begin precautionary action at once.

Of course, floods caused by storm surges also pose a threat as hurricanes approach the land, and there are two more warnings to be aware of.

Coastal Flood Watch – possibility exists for the inundation of land areas along the coast within the next 12-36 hours.

Coastal Flood Warning – land areas along the coast are expected to become, or have already become, inundated by seawater above normal tidal levels.

• Listen to weather updates to keep informed.

• Keep a portable radio with extra batteries handy.

• Bring inside any outdoor furniture, trashcans, hanging plants, and anything else that could be picked up by the wind.

• Cover windows and doors with shutters or plywood.

• Gather your first-aid kit.

• Move your boat to a safe harbour, but DO NOT stay with the boat.

• Fill all of your vehicles with gas.

• Pick up extra cash, since ATMs and banks may run out of money before the storm hits or be shut down.

• Leave low-lying areas.

If you are driving in your car attempting to make it to higher ground and you come across a flooded road, you must turn around.

Do not attempt to cross the road thinking that your car is heavy enough to withstand the force of the rushing water. It only takes two feet of rapidly moving water to float a bus, so the chances of your vehicle crossing a flooded road successfully, is very slim.

If you get caught on a flooded road and the waters begin to rise rapidly around you, get out of your car and head for higher ground immediately. It only takes 6 inches of rushing water to knock a person off their feet, so try to keep your feet as dry as possible!