Hurricane Preparations at Home

General public hurricane checklist

Here is a list of the many things to consider before, during, and after a hurricane. Some of the safety rules will make things easier for you during a hurricane. All are important and could help save your life and the lives of others. Also, read NOAA's helpful brochure: Against the Wind: Protecting Your Home from Hurricane Wind Damage.

Stay or leave?

When a hurricane threatens your area, you will have to make the decision whether you should evacuate or whether you can ride out the storm in safety at home. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.

In general

• If you live on the coastline or offshore islands, plan to leave.
• If you live in a mobile home, plan to leave.
• If you live on high ground, away from coastal beaches, consider staying.

In any case, the ultimate decision to stay or leave will be yours. Study the following list and carefully consider the factors involved — especially the items pertaining to storm surge.

Beginning of hurricane season (June): make plans for action

• Learn the storm surge history and elevation of your area.
• Learn safe routes inland.
• Learn location of official shelters.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
• Trim back dead wood from trees.
• Check for loose rain gutters and down spouts.
• If shutters do not protect windows, stock boards to cover glass.

When a hurricane watch is issued for your area

• Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.
• Fuel car.
• Check mobile home tie-downs.
• Moor small craft or move to safe shelter.
• Stock up on canned provisions.
• Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.
• Check batteries for radio and flashlights.
• Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.
• Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering.
• Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting from their tracks.

When a hurricane warning is issued for your area

• Stay tuned to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins
• Stay home if sturdy and on high ground.
  • Board up garage and porch doors.
  • Move valuables to upper floors.
  • Bring in pets.
  • Fill containers (bathtub) with several days' supply of drinking water.
  • Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and don't open unless necessary.
  • Use phone only for emergencies.
  • Stay indoors on the downwind side of house away from windows.
  • Beware of the eye of the hurricane.
• Leave mobile homes.
• Leave areas which might be affected by storm tide or stream flooding.
  • Leave early-in daylight if possible.
  • Shut off water and electricity at main stations.
  • Take small valuables and papers but travel light.
  • Leave food and water for pets (shelters will not take them).
  • Lock up house.
  • Drive carefully to nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes.

After the all-clear is given

• Drive carefully. Watch for dangling electrical wires, undermined roads, flooded low spots.
• Don't sightsee.
• Report broken or damaged water, sewer, and electrical lines.
• Use caution re-entering home.
  • Check for gas leaks.
  • Check food and water for spoilage.

Hurricane information for boat owners

Preparing your boat for a hurricane

This is hurricane season. Boat owners along the Virginia coasts and sounds should already have a plan to reduce the effects of a hurricane on their vessel.

The following guidelines will not ensure the boat or its occupants will escape damage or injury; however, a well-planned strategy will help increase the chance of escaping damage and injury.

Hurricane boat plan

Determine if you will trailer or haul your boat, secure it in the marina, or move to a previously identified hurricane mooring. Keep in mind the hazards hurricanes present: wind, tidal surge, and wind-driven waves.

Check your insurance policies to know your responsibilities as well as those of your marina or storage area. Gather insurance policies, registrations, inventories and other records. You may need them when you return to check on your boat.

Allow sufficient time in your plan to strip your boat of all movable objects (canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.). Lash down everything you cannot remove (tilers, wheels, booms, etc.). Practice your plan to see how long it takes to implement. At least one other person should know your hurricane boat plan in case you are out of town when the storm threatens.

Removing your boat from the water

Trailerable Boats:

• Remove the boat from the water.
• Avoid exposure to the wind and park away from trees.
• Lash the boat to the trailer and secure the boat with heavy lines to a fixed object, preferably from four directions.
• Remove half the air from the tires. Block the tires to prevent rolling.
• Seal door openings and tape windows that may break.
• Remove sails, rigging, and other loose objects.

Hauling:

• Be sure the marina can haul your boat and store and secure it quickly.
• Check into prearranged contracts for hauling and have an alternate in case the marina cannot meet the sudden demand that would be generated by an approaching hurricane.

Leaving your boat at the dock

• Double all lines and protect them from chafing.
• Make sure boat will not strike a roof as water levels rise.
• Make sure that cleats and winches are well secured to the boat.
• Adjust lines to accommodate unusually high or low water.
• Install fenders to protect boat from rubbing against a pier, filings, and other boats.
• Cut off all electrical devices except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm.
• Remove all loose items (canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.) and
• Lash down everything you cannot remove.
• Seal doors and openings and tape windows that may break.
• Do not stay aboard!

Anchoring your boat in open water

• Select a location that offers the best protection from wind and storm surge.
• Before leaving the dock, remove sails, riggings, and other loose articles. Lash down those items that cannot be removed (tiller, wheels, etc.). Seal doors, openings, and tape windows that may break.
• Avoid channels and tidal currents.
• Leave early for your site because of the danger of high winds and strong currents. Bridges may be locked down to accommodate land evacuation.
• Do not tie up to other boats.
• Practice runs should be made to determine accessibility, depth of water, location of bridges, and to locate obstructions and objects on which to secure lines.
• Make sure cleats and winches are well secured to the boat.
• Cut off all electrical devices except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm.
• DO NOT STAY ABOARD!

After the storm

• Be sure it is safe to travel before you return to your boat.
• Remove water from the boat.
• Check for damage to your boat and the marina before you leave your mooring.
• Beware of dangling wires, fuel leaks, weakened docks and bridges, and objects floating in the water.
• A thorough check of seaworthiness and damage should be made and findings conveyed to your insurance agent, and to owners of property damaged by your boat.
• Know what your liabilities are and what your insurance company's responsibilities are.

This information from The Public Guide for Jacksonville, Florida Boaters is provided by the National Weather Service, July 1988.