10 steps to prepare for a hurricane

Sometimes Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who’s in charge. While you can’t control when or where a hurricane will hit, the best way to minimize potential damage is to be prepared.

When a major storm is coming, stay informed by following NOAA Weather radio or your local news channels for updates. In addition, make sure to obey all orders if requested to evacuate by the authorities. Follow these 10 hurricane and storm preparation steps to keep your home and loved ones safe before disaster strikes.

• Make a plan
  If evacuation is necessary, turn off all utilities and follow community disaster preparedness plans. Select a common meeting place or single point-of-contact for all family members. If you have pets, have a plan for their evacuation as well.
• Secure the exterior
  Trim large trees and shrubs and bring all outside patio furniture, potted plants, bikes and toys indoors. If necessary, secure outdoor sculptures with burlap or blankets tied with rope.
  
• Install storm shutters
  Protect windows, doors and skylights with appropriate shutters or impact-resistant glass. You can nail pieces of plywood to window frames as last-minute protection.
  
• Check wall hangings and art
  Make sure wall hangings are secure and take notes about your art collection and any existing damage. Make sure that art hung on outside walls are taken inside, and elevated off the floor. Click here for more tips on how to help protect your art and other valuables from severe storms, winds, and floods.
  
• Move your cars
  Move cars to higher ground or park them in your garage against the garage doors. Do not park under trees, power lines or in low-lying areas.

• Power up
  Fill your car’s gas tank, charge your cell phone, test your generator and have plenty of fuel ready in case of power outages.
• Unplug appliances
  Move appliances and household fixtures away from exterior doors and window openings. Store them in cabinets or interior closets.
• Store important documents
  Keep important documents, such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers and insurance policy information, as well as valuables such as jewelry, in a safety deposit box or in a bolted safe in an interior closet in your home.
• Prep an emergency kit
  Gather flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, cash, blankets, clothing and toiletries.
• Identify a shelter room
  This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house with no windows. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.
  

For more tips on how to prepare for a hurricane, check out these resources from Ready.gov.
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