What To Do If There's A Threat Of A Hurricane

First I'll clarify the categories of threat:

WATCH = There's a threat of hurricane conditions within 24 to 36 hours.

WARNING = Hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher, or dangerously high water and rough seas are expected in 24 hours or less.

If a WATCH is given for your area:

• listen to the radio or watch TV for updates
• make sure your storm kit is adequately equipped with supplies you may need and important documents
• fill your car up with gas in case you're evacuated
• fill up gas containers for generator and store in a safe place
• bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor down objects that cannot be brought inside (if you have a pool, you can just place your lawn furniture inside the pool if you have no room for it elsewhere)
• clear your yard of debris
• review your evacuation plans
• install storm protection devices, like hurricane shutters and brace entry and garage doors
• moor boats securely or move it to a designated safe place

If a WARNING is given for your area:

• listen to the radio or TV for updates and official instructions
• store water in clean bathtubs, jugs and bottles
• stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors
• turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest setting to keep stored food fresh longer if you loose power
• if you do lose power, unplug appliances, TVs, stereos and computers to reduce the possible damage from a power surge when the power is restored
• check tie down and evacuate quickly if you're in a manufactured or mobile home

If an EVACUATION notice is given for your area:

• unplug appliances and turn off electricity and the main water valve to protect your home, but do NOT turn off natural gas unless it is advised by local officials
• tell someone that's not in the storm area where you'll be going and the likely route you'll be taking
• if you live in an identified surge zone, and if time permits, elevate furniture to protect it from flooding or move it to a higher floor
• grab your storm kit, lock up your home, and immediately evacuate

*Remember, hurricanes can change direction and intensity very quickly, so stay tuned to local radio and TV stations for updates.