Hurricanes

Know the terms

Before

• Find out whether you live in an evacuation zone, learn the routes, practice with your household and pets, and decide where you'll stay.
• Plan for anyone in the house who will need extra help.
• Have several ways to get alerts, including your community's sign-up and Wireless Emergency Alerts.
• Clear drains and gutters, bring in outdoor furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
• Pack medication, disinfectant and pet supplies. You may not be able to get them for days or weeks afterward.
• Keep copies of insurance and ID in a secure, password-protected digital space, and check on neighbors who may need help.

During

• If you're in a mandatory evacuation zone and officials say go, leave immediately.
• For high winds, shelter in a storm shelter or an interior room.
• If flooding traps you, go to the highest level of the building, but never into a closed attic.
• Don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot can sweep a car away.

After

• Follow local officials' instructions.
• Stay out of floodwater; it can carry sewage, chemicals, debris and electrical current.
• Don't touch wet electrical equipment. If it's safe, turn off power at the main breaker.
• Wear protective clothing and a mask when cleaning mold or debris. Children shouldn't help with cleanup.
• Text instead of calling, and photograph damage for insurance.

In your plan

When you tick hurricane under "What your area gets", the plan tool adds these to your buying schedule:

• A NOAA weather radio moved into the first round of basics
• Hurricane shutters or precut window plywood for homeowners
• A shelter-spot flag for mobile homes

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