Hurricane Season 2021

June 1st - November 30th

Understand that your planning may be different this year because of the need to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

• Give yourself more time than usual to prepare your emergency food, water, and medicine supplies. Home delivery is the safest choice for buying disaster supplies; however, that may not be an option for everyone. If in-person shopping is your only choice, take steps to protect your health when running essential errands.
  
• Protect yourself and others when filling prescriptions by limiting in-person visits to the pharmacy. Sign up for mail order delivery or call in your prescription ahead of time and use drive-through windows or curbside pickup, if available.
  
• Pay attention to local guidance about updated plans for evacuations and shelters, including shelters for your pets.
  
• When you check on neighbors and friends, be sure to follow social distancing recommendations (staying at least 6 feet from others) and other CDC recommendations to protect yourself and others.

Each Year

Know what Hurricane WATCH and Hurricane WARNING mean

WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 36 hours.

WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 24 hours. 

• Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel, or a shelter. 
• Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality. You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged. 
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. 

Are You Ready?

Take these items with you when evacuating:

• Prescription medications and medical supplies 
  
• Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows 
  
• Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight 
  
• Car keys and maps 
  
• Documents, including driver's license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Including the Following Items:

• First aid kit and essential medications 
  
• Canned food and can opener 
  
• At least three gallons of water per person 
  
• Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags 
  
• Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries 
  
• Special items for infants, elderly, or disabled family members 
  
• Written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn them back on)