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Plan for a storm's approach

Have a disaster plan
Review and update the plan at least annually or as needed to reflect changes such as the birth of a child, relocation, new pet, etc.

Identify a safe room
If staying at home, identify the safest room in your home. This is generally an interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. This is where you would seek shelter in the event of a direct hit or when tornado warnings are issued.

Stock your disaster supply kit
Your disaster supply kit should include a 3-7 day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, and other necessity items per person. Click here for more info.

If evacuating, leave early
Plan to leave as early as 48 hours in advance and no later than the issuance of a hurricane watch. Take your disaster supply kit with you. Turn off the electricity, water
and gas and lock the doors.

Gather important documents
Place important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and financial papers in a waterproof
container or a watertight plastic bag. If evacuating, take these papers with you.

Secure your home
Shutter windows and glass doors and secure outside loose yard items, such as furniture and children’s toys that can become a hazard if picked up with high winds. If you have outside pets, bring them in.

Prepare a water supply
Know who your water service provider is so you will know if a boil water notice applies to your home. Fill pre-sanitized sinks and tubs with clean water for bathing and flushing toilets. Make or buy ice. Have coolers available for ice storage if the power fails.

Set appliances
Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings in anticipation of power outages.

Get cash and gas
Fill up the gas tank and get some cash. These two vital services typically do not work without electricity.

Charge your phone
Charge your cell phone and wireless phone batteries. Have extras on hand. If evacuating, take the chargers with you. Check on your neighbors. Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or have special needs. Let them know of your disaster plan.

Get listed
Help us find you when a disaster threatens. If you have an unlisted number, fill out this form and register to receive emergency telephone notification messages.

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