Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Safety

Learn how to keep your home and family safe during a hurricane or typhoon. Learn how to keep your home and family safe during a hurricane or typhoon.

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If you are in immediate need of help, please contact your local Red Cross » or find an open shelter »

About

Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening as well as cause serious hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Learn what to do to keep your loved ones safe!

Hurricane or Typhoon?

They are the same type of storm – the name changes based on where they occur. Learn about these storms and how they are measured.

Prepare for Hurricanes

Prepare in Advance

How to Prepare Before a Hurricane

Right Before:

Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

Be prepared to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.

Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or other medical supplies. Keep it nearby.

During

Staying Safe During a Hurricane

Stay indoors.

Don’t walk on beaches, riverbanks or in flood waters.

Use flashlights in the dark if the power goes out. Do NOT use candles.

Continue listening to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.

Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.

Turn off the power and water mains if instructed to do so by local authorities.

Staying Safe Outdoors

Don't walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car.

If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.

Don't walk on beaches or riverbanks.

Don’t allow children to play in or near flood water.

Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage or contain dangerous insects or animals.

Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. can become filled with water.

After

After a Hurricane

Let friends and family know you’re safe - Register yourself as safe on the Safe and Well website

If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.

Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.

Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding.

Download the FREE Emergency App

Find our Emergency App in the Apple Store » or Google Play »

Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en español » también!

Additional Information

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