Hurricane Awareness Timeline
In preparation for the hurricane season, the following directives are suggested for the general public in anticipation of a hurricane making landfall.
Make sure you and your family are prepared for hurricane season this year.
Hurricane Awareness Timeline Flyer (2 MB)
72 Hours Prior to Impact
- Listen to the radio or television for current news/weather updates.
- Make plans to secure your living quarters (i.e. purchase and install storm shutters or plywood for windows).
- Make plans to secure/store any recreational equipment (i.e. boats, RVs, four-wheelers, etc.).
- Inspect your emergency preparedness kit to make sure all of your items are current. For information on the 10 essential items you need in your kit, visit Get 10.
- Plan how you will care for your pets if needed in case of evacuation.
- Create an evacuation plan with family members detailing a meeting location and how to contact one another in case of separation.
- Discuss plans for safety if unable to evacuate (i.e. designate a safe place inside the home to reside in).
48 Hours Prior to Impact
- Listen to the radio or television for current news/weather updates.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure or bring in any outdoor objects (i.e. plants, lawn equipment, furnishings, etc.).
- Keep vehicles fueled in case of evacuation.
24 Hours Prior to Impact
- Listen to local news/radio updates via battery-operated weather radio.
- Fill bathtubs and large containers with water to ensure you have an abundant supply of clean water available for drinking, bathing, flushing toilets, etc.
- Turn off all utilities if directed by authorities.
- Turn the refrigerator and/or freezer to its highest setting and leave the doors closed and secured.
- Ensure essential items are available.
- Move to the lowest level of the structure or to an interior room.
- If possible have a second cell phone battery available and fully charged.
Post Landfall
- Ensure your safety and follow your evacuation plan to locate separated family members, or use the National Emergency Family Registry and Locator System (NEFRLS) or the American Red Cross.
- Secure food and water.
- Find a place to stay.
- Return home safely once advised to do so, and while traveling be watchful of any downed power lines, standing water, weak structures, and displaced pets and wildlife.
- Before entering your home, check outside for any downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
- When entering your home, be careful of shifted furniture/appliances, roof or foundation damage, broken or frayed wires, and any standing water that could contain raw sewage.
- When opening doors or cabinets, be careful of any items that can fall.
- During cleanup, throw away any contaminated food or clothing and disinfect/clean any items that can be salvaged.
Evacuation
- Evacuate when directed by local authorities, or if living in a mobile home, on a flood plain, in a high-rise building, or near an inland waterway.
- If evacuated, follow all directives by your local authorities.
- Initiate your evacuation contact list.
- Bring your emergency preparedness kit.
- Have cash on hand for food and other essential needs.
If Unable to Evacuate
- Secure and brace all exterior windows and doors.
- Ensure your emergency preparedness kit is easily accessible.
- Initiate an alternate form of communication - use telephones only in case of emergencies.
Additional Information
Page last updated: March 14, 2023
