How to Prepare Home for a Hurricane Evacuation

If you reside in coastal community that is renowned for hurricanes then you should prepare your home for hurricane season. Hurricanes are more prevalent during the summer months and peak season is August through September. Here are some tips on how to prepare home for a hurricane evacuation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Canned food
• Manual can opener
• Bottle water
• Clothing
• Rain wear
• Sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Battery operated radio
• Flash light
• Batteries
• medication
• First aid kit

1. Check your homes insurance policy. Look for hurricane and flood coverage.

2. Hire a plumber to install a back flow valve, this valve will shut off your waterline so that if the sewers do back up, they will not back up into your home.

3. Remove everything from your yard, which includes flags, lawn ornaments, grill, patio furniture, hanging plants, flowers in pots, trashcans. Put these items inside your home or in the garage or secure them from being air lifted by the hurricane winds.

4. Drain two to three feet of water from your swimming pool. This will prevent the pool from over flowing.

5. Locate your important papers. You will need a map, driver’s license, social security card, passport, tax returns, proof that you own the house, insurance policy, and your pet’s updated paperwork showing shots and license. Place these documents in a waterproof container and take them with you when you evacuate your home.

6. Shut all the windows and doors and lock them.

7. Attach your storm shutters to all glass doors, skylights and windows. If you do not have storm shutters you will need to cover with 5/8 thick exterior grade plywood. Before you evacuate your home, make sure that you shut off your power.

Tips & Warnings

• It takes 30 days for an insurance coverage to update, so plan ahead and purchase insurance before hurricane season.
• Listen to your radio, and track the storm.
• Be sure to communicate with friends and family, tell them where you are.
• Normally when the eye is over you the weather is calm, but by no means does this mean that the conditions are safe.
• If the authorities tell, you to evacuate do not think twice about it, nothing is worth your life or the life of others.

[arwen1964]

on 11/2/2008 For step six, you will also need a copy of their shot record, or you will not be able to take them to emergency pet shelters.

[ebnickiea]

on 9/12/2008 great article for everyone to read. A hurricane is something we all need to prepare for.

[purrfect1969]

on 9/12/2008 Important information that is needed now.

[MrJNG]

on 9/9/2008 Very helpful information. Thank you!

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 9/4/2008 Wow. I hope you haven't had to deal with this much.. informative. thanks