What People Need to Know About Hurricanes

This fifth week highlights hurricanes. Individuals, communities, businesses, schools, and houses of worship around the country are holding preparedness discussions, conducting drills, and taking specific steps to prepare for hurricanes.

People who live in hurricane-prone coastal areas should know their vulnerability to wind and flooding, as well as what to do to reduce the effects of both. People who live inland from coastal areas may also experience high winds, power outages, and flooding from torrential rain. Protecting yourself today means having sources for information, preparing your home and workplace, developing an emergency communication plan, and knowing what to do when a hurricane is approaching your community.

1. Practice how you will communicate with family members. In a dangerous situation, your first thoughts will be the safety of your family and friends. In case you are not together when authorities issue a tropical storm or hurricane watch, or a tropical storm or hurricane warning, practice how you will communicate with each other. Remember that sending texts is often faster than making a phone call. Visit ready.gov/prepare for resources on developing a family emergency communication plan.
2. Download the FEMA app for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips. The app provides a customizable checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and open recovery centers, tips on how to survive natural and manmade disasters, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation. The latest feature of the app enables users to receive push notifications to their devices to remind them to take important steps to prepare their homes and families for disasters.
3. Know your zone; plan your evacuation routes and transportation and identify a place to stay. Know your community's local hurricane evacuation plan and identify several escape routes from your location in case roads are blocked. If you plan to evacuate by car, keep your car fueled and in good condition. Keep emergency supplies and a change of clothes in your car. If a hurricane threatens your community, follow the advice of your local officials. If they say to evacuate, leave early. 
4. Store supplies you will need to live at home with no power. Even if you are in an area that is not asked to evacuate, you may still lose power and the water supply to your home. Depending on the strength of the hurricane and its impact on your community, you could be in your home with no power or other basic services for up to several weeks. Think about items you require for this situation. Keep these supplies on hand in your home. For a full list of supplies for your emergency supply kit, visit ready.gov/build-a-kit.
5. Think about how you will stay informed if there is a power outage. Have extra batteries for a battery-operated radio and your cell phone. Consider having a hand crank radio or cell phone charger.
6. Consider buying a NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards receiver that receives broadcast alerts directly from the National Weather Service. You can purchase these at many retail outlets, such as electronics and big box stores, or online.

Media outlets may also link to this information on your website to provide your viewers and readers with more information about how to prepare for hurricanes.

America's PrepareAthon!^SM is a grassroots, community-based campaign for action to get families, organizations, and entire communities better prepared for hurricanes and other emergencies.

Please contact the FEMA News Desk at (202) 646-3272 for additional information.

Courtesy of America's PrepareAthon! and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

SOURCE Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)