Hurricane Preparedness | Golden Isles Moms

What Everyone Should Know for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season runs from June to November on the Atlantic coast. It is important to make sure your family is prepared before a storm hits. Below you will find resources and information to make sure your family and home are safe before, during, and after a hurricane.

Pre-Hurricane Resources

It’s important to make sure your family is prepared well before hurricane season begins. Here are some important tips to remember when getting ready for a storm.

  • Keep supplies handy. Use this Check List from Ready.gov to make sure you will have everything you need in case of an emergency.
  • Unplug electronics – even if you have a surge protector.
  • Check windows and roofs for leaks as well as clean your gutters.
  • Prepare for long-term outages by purchasing a generator. Consider what is a necessity to determine what type/size you will need. Check out this CDC resource on Generator Safety.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery.
  • Clear clutter. Secure any outdoor furniture, garbage cans, fuel tanks and toys.
  • Secure your home by considering window shutters and garage braces.
  • Verify insurance coverage.
  • Prepare important paperwork such as house deeds, insurance policies, wills etc. in a disaster proof box or safe.
  • Also consider creating a “Hurricane Box” for your children. Include art and craft supplies such as markers, paper, and scissors, board games, new books, puzzles, or even a jump rope.

Important questions to discuss prior include:

  1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
  2. What is my shelter plan?
  3. What is my evacuation route?
  4. What is my family/household communication plan?
During Hurricane Resources
  • Listen to the radio or TV for information. Head ALL evacuation recommendations.
  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
Post-Hurricane Resource
  • Continue listening to the local news for the latest updates.
  • If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  • Once home, drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks that might collapse.
  • Walk carefully around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Record any damage by taking photos.
  • Stay out of any building if you smell gas, if floodwaters remain around the building.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms in areas dealing with power outages. Never use a portable generator inside your home or garage.
  • Use battery-powered flashlights. Do NOT use candles. Turn on your flashlight before entering a vacated building. The battery could produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

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