Community Partnerships, Inc.
Disaster Plan – Preparing For a Hurricane
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is an intense weather system that possesses maximum sustained (continually
blowing) winds exceeding 74 mph. A hurricane forms and intensifies over ocean waters and
often impacts land as it moves inland from the ocean. Hurricane winds blow in a spiral direction
around a calm center. The center of the storm is called “the eye”. The eye of the storm can be
20-30 miles wide and the actual hurricane storm can be hundreds of miles across; therefore, a
hurricane can impact a very large area (for example, it can cover an entire state).
A hurricane produces excessive amounts of rain and extremely high winds. It depends upon
your location and the specific area where the storm comes inland to know exactly how
damaging a storm may be. Hurricanes cause severe flooding and power outages that can last
for days/weeks so all should be prepared to be without water and without power after a storm.
Hurricanes are classified by category numbers. A Category 1 is the weakest hurricane with
winds ranging from 74 mph to 95 mph and a Category 5 hurricane is the strongest hurricane
with winds in excess of 155 mph.
A hurricane watch is issued when the threat of hurricane conditions are within 24-36 hours.
During a hurricane watch you should be preparing for the storm and be monitoring the forecast
for changes in the predicted storm path.
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less.
Take steps now to protect your family, home and belongings. If your neighborhood is
required to evacuate due to the weather conditions, you will only be given a limited
amount of time to leave your home so you should be prepared in advance. Discuss the
dangers of the hurricane with family members and be assured that all know your
evacuation and safety plan.
Always follow evacuation orders provided by local authorities (police, fire, and rescue).
Be aware that certain roads may be closed and traffic redirected for safety purposes.
Most injuries and deaths related to hurricanes result from flooding and flying debris.
How to Protect Your Home During a Hurricane Watch:
Bring items indoors. Items such as lawn furniture, trash cans, children's toys, garden
equipment, clotheslines, hanging plants and any other objects that may fly around and damage
property should be brought inside or moved to a more secure location.
Clear gutters and downspouts of debris to prevent backflow of water into the home.
If the storm is directly impacting your home and you are advised to do so by local
authorities - turn off electricity and water. Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker, and
turn off water at the main valve. This can prevent electrical fires and interior flooding.
Unless local officials advise otherwise, leave natural gas on because you will need it for
heating and cooking when you return home. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is
required to turn it back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.
Turn off propane gas tanks. Propane tanks often become dislodged in disasters.
Sliding glass doors are at great risk of breaking during hurricanes from debris. Protect these
doors with plywood on the outside or protect yourselves inside the home by staying away from
sliding glass doors.
If expecting a direct impact, cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood.
Tape does not prevent windows from breaking – tape prevents windows from shattering and
generally doesn’t provide any protection.
Remove outside antennas from the house.
Secure (tie-down/anchor) boats and trailers located in your yard with ropes.
Unplug small appliances to prevent power surges.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and only open the door when
necessary. If power does go out, the colder air will keep perishable food cold longer.
If you live in a mobile home, you should evacuate your home prior to the impact of the
storm.
How to Protect Your Valuables
Move objects that could be damaged by wind or water to safer areas of your home. Move
television sets, computers, stereo and electronic equipment, and easily moveable appliances
like a microwave oven to higher levels of your home and away from windows. Wrap them in
sheets, blankets or plastic to further protect them.
Take photos or prepare a written record of all of your household possessions. This list
could help you prove the value of what you owned if those possessions are damaged or
destroyed, and can assist you to claim deductions on taxes.
Do this for all items in your home, including expensive items such as sofas, chairs, tables, beds,
chests, wall units, and any other furniture too heavy to move. Store a copy of this information in
a safe deposit box.
It is best to store valuables and important documents in a safe-deposit box. Important
paper documents should be placed in water-proof bags to protect the paper.
Needed Supplies for During and After the Storm:
Gather essential items to maintain a week’s supply of food and water in your home. Also
prepare a “hurricane disaster supply kit”. See below for items needed in a disaster supply kit.
Fill the gas tank in your car.
Charge your cell phones.
Purchase needed supplies, batteries, food and water.
Refill prescriptions to assure you have enough medication during the emergency.
Dress appropriately for the duration of the storm. All family members should be wearing
closed toe shoes (not flip-flops) and have clothing that will offer protection following the storm.
Recommended Disaster Supply Kit:
Do You Have These Items?
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WATER: At least 1 gallon per day for 3 to 7 days.
FOOD: (For 3 to 7 days)
- Non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
 Such as peanut butter, crackers, bread, canned meats
- Food for infants/elderly
- Snack foods
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools (Grill – propane tank filled or charcoal available)
- Paper Plates/Plastic Utensils/Paper Cups/Napkins/Paper Towels
TRASH BAGS
CLOTHING (Season, rain gear, sturdy shoes)
BLANKETS and PILLOWS / SLEEPING BAGS
FIRST AID KIT
MEDICINES (Prescription and Over-the-Counter)
SPECIAL ITEMS for INFANTS (Diapers, Formula)
SPECIAL ITEMS for ELDERLY
SPECIAL ITEMS for DISABLED
Eye glasses, dentures, prosthesis, crutches, wheelchairs
TOILETRIES
HYGIENE ITEMS
MOISTURE WIPES
FLASHLIGHT
BATTERIES (For flashlights and radios)
RADIO (Battery Operated)
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TELEPHONES (Fully charge cell phones and have extra battery)
o Remember cordless phones will not work if power outage
CASH and CHECKBOOK (Small bills recommended)
CREDIT CARDS (Banks/ATMS may not be in service due to power outages)
KEYS
TOYS/BOOKS/GAMES for entertainment
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS (Place in waterproof container or resealable plastic bag)
o Phone numbers for relatives / employers / case managers/ co-workers / doctors
o Insurance Policies/Documents (Medicaid, Medicare. Private Policy, Auto/Home)
o Driver’s License and Personal Identification
o Medical Records/Immunization Records
o Bank Account Numbers (Stocks, Bonds, Financial Certificates)
o Social Security Card
o Marriage and Birth Licenses
o Wills and Deeds
o Proof of Residence
PET CARE ITEMS (Note: Many shelters will only allow service animals)
o Proper Identification
o Immunization Records
o Medications
o Pet Food/Water
o Carrier/Cage
o Muzzle/Leash
TOOLS
MOTOR VEHICLE (Assure gas tanks are filled)
Note: Shelters may not be able to supply all of your needs – often shelters do not have
baby items, pet items, and special need items for individuals with disabilities.
If You Are Instructed to Evacuate Your Home:
After prepping your home for the storm, leave as soon as possible (if possible, in
daylight). Avoid flooded roads and watch for washed-out bridges. Roads and bridges frequently
become crowded and traffic moves slow. Evacuation will probably take longer than expected.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Tell someone outside of the storm area where you are going. Relatives, case managers,
and friends will be concerned about your safety. Letting someone know your travel plans will
help relieve their fear and anxiety.
Bring emergency supplies and warm protective clothing with you. Having these items will
make you more comfortable in other locations.
While shelters provide a safe place to stay and food, specialty items for infants and
individuals on restricted diets may not be available. It may take several days until
permission is given by local authorities to re-enter an evacuated area.
Lock up your home and leave. There may be individuals evacuating after you, or returning
before you. Police may be busy with hurricane-related emergencies and not able to patrol
neighborhoods as usual. Lock your property as you normally would when leaving home.
What to Do During the Hurricane:
If you are not mandated to evacuate your home, stay indoors on the first floor of your
home away from windows, skylights, and glass doors (even if they are covered). A small
interior room without windows is the safest place. If necessary to protect yourself from
falling objects, lie under a table or sturdy object.
Keep your cell phones with you at all times, but note cell phones may not work if there is
significant storm damage.
Keep personal identification with you at all times.
Be aware of that the “eye” of the storm is calm period in the middle of the hurricane.
THE STORM IS NOT OVER. The worst part of the storm actually occurs after the eye
passes over and then the winds blow in the opposite direction and the storm will continue for
several more hours.
What to Do After the Hurricane Is Over:
Continue to listen to local radio or television stations or a weather radio for information
and instructions from local management officials. (Due to power outages will need battery
operated radio/TV).
Have a supply of flashlights and extra batteries ready for use.
Avoid using open flames (candles and kerosene lamps) as a source of light. Flashlights
provide the safest emergency lighting source. Kerosene lamps require a great deal of ventilation
and are not designed for indoor use.
Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, sinks, plastic bottles, and cooking utensils. Public
water supplies and wells may become contaminated, or electric pumps may be inoperative if
power is lost. The greatest need of survival following any disaster is clean water.
If you evacuated, only return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so. These
officials will know what areas are accessible and where roads are damaged.
Stay alert for additional rainfall and flooding. Hurricanes can change directions and return
to the same area or continue producing rain. Flooding can occur for weeks following a storm.
Stay alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during and after a hurricane. Remain indoors
on a lower level, in the center of your home or shelter in an area without windows. If possible,
go below ground, such as to a basement or storm cellar, but be aware of flooding.
Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another
way. When you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, if you
can do so safely, get out of your vehicle and climb to higher ground. Most hurricane-related
deaths are caused by flooding. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be
washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped. Rapidly rising water may
stall a car engine, surround the vehicle and sweep passengers away. A person can be knocked
down by six inches of sweeping water. A car can easily be swept away in two feet of water.
If you come upon a barricade, follow detour signs or turn around and go another way.
Barricades are put up by local officials to protect people from unsafe roads. Driving around them
can be a serious risk.
Stay on firm ground. Moving water can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be
electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Do not move seriously
injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help.
Help a neighbor who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people and people
with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance.
People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in
emergency situations.
Avoid disaster areas. Your presence can delay rescue and other emergency operations, and
put you at further risk from the residual effects of floods, such as contaminated waters,
crumbled roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards.
Avoid loose or dangling power lines - report them to the power company, police, or fire
department. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible,
preventing further hazard and injury.
Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service. Call
an electrician for advice before using electricity, which may have received water damage.
Stay out of the building if water remains around the building. Flood waters often damage
foundations, causing buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse.
When entering buildings - use extreme caution. Hurricane flood waters may have damaged
buildings where you least expect it. Carefully watch every step you take.
Wear sturdy shoes. The most common injury following a disaster is cut feet.
Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. Battery-powered
lighting is the safest and easiest, preventing fire hazard for the user, occupants, and building.
Examine walls, floors, doors, staircases, and windows to make sure that the building is
not in danger of collapsing.
Inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Cracks and damage to a foundation can
render a building uninhabitable (unable to live in it).
Look for fire hazards. There may be broken or leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or
submerged furnaces or electrical appliances. Flammable or explosive materials may come from
upstream. Fires are the most frequent hazardous event following a flood.
Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and
quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the
gas company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned
back on by a professional.
Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you
smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you
have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice.
Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
Check for sewage and water line damage. If you suspect sewage lines are damaged, avoid
using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company,
and avoid using water from the tap.
Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes that may have come into buildings
with the flood waters. Use a stick to poke through debris. Flood waters flush many animals
and snakes out of their natural homes.
Watch for loose plaster, drywall, and ceilings that could fall.
Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home.
Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If power was lost, some foods may be spoiled.
Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not
contaminated. Hurricane-driven flood waters may have contaminated public water supplies or
wells. Local officials should advise you on the safety of the drinking water. Melted ice cubes
can provide good sources of fresh drinking water.
Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid
structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure
from water on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
Service damaged septic tanks as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health
hazards.
Use the telephone only for emergency calls. Telephone lines are frequently overwhelmed in
disaster situations. They need to be clear for emergency calls to get through.
Disaster Plan Recovery - Work Together:
The essential components of any disaster are effective communication, being prepared
and patience. A natural disaster can quickly decrease methods of communication and
limit the ability for professionals to provide services. It is necessary for everyone
involved to work together and in the safest manner possible to not create greater risks
for others. Everyone impacted will have needs and desire to receive services
immediately, but all should recognize that during a disaster the needs are prioritized by
community leaders and disaster relief teams. Please listen to and follow the instructions
provided by the disaster relief teams. Remember, a disaster is a time to unite as a
community and work together to assist everyone involved.