What Should You Do If a Hurricane Watch Is Issued?

Hurricanes are detected days before reaching land.

Hurricanes are destructive storms that can devastate a community. Unlike tornadoes, however, forecasters can identify and track hurricanes a few days before they hit land. You should use the time between when a watch is issued and when a hurricane might reach land to prepare for the storm. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created guidelines that will help keep you safe if a hurricane ultimately does hit your town.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• First-aid supplies
• Food and water
• Important documents
• Matches
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Personal items
• Animal/pet supplies

1. Make arrangements to leave your home if evacuation becomes necessary. Contact friends or family members that do not live in the watch area to see if you might be able to stay with them.

2. Look for alternative shelter if you are unable to leave the area. Shelters are often established in large public venues such as sports arenas. Check with your city to determine what kind of emergency plans exist.

3. Prepare a disaster kit that includes medication, first-aid supplies, food and water that you can take if you need to evacuate your home. Purchase bottled water instead of filling bottles from your tap. This water is sealed and will remain safe for longer periods of time. Include food items that do not need to be cooked, like dry foods such as cereal and crackers. Add matches, a flashlight, batteries, hygiene products, baby products, IDs, cash and any other items that are specially needed by your family.

4. Gather important documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, passports, tax returns, property records, car titles and insurance policies. Place them in a waterproof safe or a safe-deposit box at the bank.

5. Familiarize yourself with gas, electrical and water shut-offs in the home. Write down all of these locations and practice turning the knobs to make sure they do not become stuck.

6. Place tags or other identifiers on pets or farm animals. Stock up on pet food and purchase carriers for small animals. Arrange shelter for animals in case you are unable to take them with you.

7. Make any other special arrangements for your family members' unique needs. Be prepared to spend up to two weeks away from your home.

References

• FEMA: Basic Preparedness