Here is a list of the many things to consider be fore, 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.
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 near a river or in a flood plain, 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.
At 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 Are
Stayed turned 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
li>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.
Report broken or damaged water, sewer, and electrical lines
Use caution re-entering home
Check for gas leaks
Check food and water for spoilage
Community Actions
Beyond individual and family actions during a hurricane emergency there is much to be done at the community level. Many communities on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts have made plans for action in the event a hurricane threatens, such as delination of areas to be evacuated, shelter-designations, evacuation routes, and emergency operations of fire, police, and other public service units. But many exposed coastal communities are not prepared for a hurricane, and others have waited for disaster's expensive lesson before taking corrective steps. To encourage community preparedness, NOAA's National Weather Service has invented a town, named Homeport, and made it a model of hurricane preparedness.