If a hurricane hit where you live, would your family be ready?
Whatever tomorrow brings, there are several steps you should consider to help you and your loved ones survive and recover from a hurricane, especially if you live in a coastal area. Know what your community's disaster plan is, for instance. Your local emergency management office, American Red Cross chapter or utility company may have a Disaster Handbook with contact information and evacuation routes for your community.
Below is a comprehensive guide with valuable information provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and a 2008 Hurricane Handbook published by Florida's Kissimmee Utility Authority. We hope you'll review these links to make sure you know how to best prepare for a hurricane, what precautions and steps to take after the storm, and how to file a claim with ANPAC if you have damages to your property.
Note: The Kissimmee Utility Authority's 2008 Hurricane Handbook is available to download at http://www.kua.com/hurricane.
Hurricane: Know the Terms & Hazards
- Hurricane Terms to Know
- Hurricane Hazards: Rainfall & Flooding, Hurricane Winds, Storm Surge, Tornadoes
What Steps Should I take to Prepare?
- Secure Your Home And Property
- Gather insurance, other important papers for quick access
- Protecting Valuable Records
- Creating your family's Disaster Plan
- Escape Routes
- Evacuation Plans
- Family Communications Plan
- Family Communications Plan Blank Forms
- Utility Shut-Off Plan
- Helping Individuals with Special Needs
- Caring for your pets
- Water
- Food
- First Aid Supplies
- Clothes, bedding & sanitation supplies
- Tools
- Special Supplies
- Disaster Plan Check List
- What to do when a hurricane watch is issued
- Preparing Business Documents
- Things to do before you evacuate
Recovering From Disaster
- Stay Safe After the Storm Has Passed
- Repairing a flooded home
- Removing Mold From Your Home
- What precautions should I take when returning home?
- How do I cope with the emotional effects?
- How can I help children cope?