A tropical storm that reaches a constant of 74 miles an hour or more is upgraded to a hurricane. A hurricane can spread outwards as far as 400 miles, and the relatively calm center called the “eye” is generally around 20-30 miles wide. It is a raging fury of high winds, torrential rains, and storm surges. On the open sea it can last for more than 2 weeks. Most deaths associated with hurricanes are flood-related. Use the following lists to educate your household on the things that might one day save their life.

Be Always Ready

• Find out the safest evacuation route from your home. This information can be acquired through your local American Red Cross or local emergency management office.
• Find out where your designated shelters are.
• Take pictures of your property, inside and out. You will need these to validate insurance claims.
• Back up your computer files regularly and keep the backup discs in a waterproof container.
• Keep plenty of the extra heavy duty garbage bags on hand to wrap electronics and other household devices.
• Make sure you are well stocked with roof repair supplies such as tarps, plastic sheeting, and tools.
• Keep the instructions for shutting off utilities in a visible area.
• Keep your gas tank full and be prepared to drive 20-50 miles away.
• Keep your trees trimmed of dead or weak branches. Strategically remove branches to allow the wind to blow through.
• Create a plan for your pets. Due to sanitary and health reasons, no animals will be allowed in the shelter with the exception of daily living assistance animals. Contact the local Humane Society for ideas and suggestions.
• Consider any special arrangements that might be needed to accommodate someone with special physical, emotional, or medical needs.
• Practice putting up shutters (or whatever window protection you have) and note how long it takes you. Permanent shutters offer the best protection. Purchase ½ inch plywood panels and pre drill holes every 18 inches.
• Check into the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent. Homeowner policies don’t cover hurricane flooding and there is a 30-day waiting period before your flood policy will take effect.
• Teach the kids how to use 911.
• Teach the kids how to tune into the local radio station.
• Prepare and emergency pack

Emergency Pack

• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Lantern
• Fuel
• Emergency cooking equipment
• Fire extinguisher
• Portable radio
• Toiletries
• First aid kit and manual
• Mosquito repellant
• Non-electric can opener
• Portable cooler
• 3-day supply of non-perishable food
• 3-day supply of water—one gallon per person per day
• Water purification tablets (purchase at the pharmacy)
• Bleach without lemon or other additives
• Sturdy shoes
• A change of clothes
• Diapers
• Baby food
• Formula
• Blankets
• Instructions on how to turn off your utilities properly. (Gas, water, electricity)
• Important papers

Important Papers (place in a waterproof box)

Legal Papers

• Deeds
• Titles
• Divorce papers
• Adoption papers
• Passports
• Military records
• Living wills
• Power of attorney
• Child custody

Personal Papers

• Birth certificates
• Naturalization papers
• Photos or negatives
• Vaccination records
• Marriage license

Financial Papers

• Stock and bond certificates
• Credit card numbers
• Bank account information
• Back up CD of financial management software
• Last tax return
• Original copies of insurance plans (cars, boats, health, life, homeowners)
• Telephone numbers of insurance agents
• Appraisal of jewelry and art
• Home improvement records
• Written description of your household goods or video/pictures

Hurricane Watch (hurricane possible within 36 hours)

• Check emergency supplies.
• Review evacuation plans
• Remain aware of the situation at all times via radio, television or internet.
• Fuel the car.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and open only when necessary.
• Bring in out door furniture, garden tools, etc.
• Board the windows.
• Remove outside antennas.
• Store as much drinking water as you can in bottles and jugs. Fill clean bathtubs.
• Secure boats.

Hurricane Warning (hurricane expected within 36 hours)

• Mobile homes need to be tied down and evacuated.
• Stay away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Avoid open flame.
• Keep flashlight handy (batteries).
• Stay out of elevators.
• Reduce power surge in case of an outage by turning off major appliances.
• Stay on top of the situation via the media.

Evacuation

• Unplug appliances
• Turn off the water valve
• Turn off the electricity
• Notify someone outside of the storm area of where you will be seeking shelter.
• Lock up and leave with the emergency pack.

After the Storm

• Help injured or trapped persons. Apply first-aid if needed but do not move seriously injured people.
• Return home only when the authorities give clearance.
• Be on the lookout for insects and animals driven to higher ground.
• Avoid any loose and/or dangling lines and report them immediately to the appropriate officials.
• Check the food in the refrigerator for spoilage.
• Drive only if you absolutely have to.
• Open doors and windows to ventilate.
• Take pictures of any damage, outside or in.
• Inspect utilities. Turn off the outside gas valve (if you can) if you hear any hissing sounds or smell gas. Open windows and leave immediately. The gas must be turned back on by a professional.
• Check the electrical system for damages. If you see frayed wires or sparks, turn off the main circuit breaker. DO NOT step in any water while doing this. DO NOT do it at all if you must stand in water to do so. Call an electrician for advice.

June 1 through November 30 is the "Hurricane Season," with the peak months landing on August and September. Preparing your home, yourself, and your family, well in advance could turn out to make the difference between life and death for someone. Maybe you, maybe your child. It would be a good idea to have everyone of the appropriate age in the house become CPR certified. In a natural disaster such as a hurricane, there can never be too many people with helpful medical skills. Maybe you could be the one to organize a neighborhood CPR class. Check with your local YMCA, you may be able to organize something through that agency.

I hope this list has been helpful for you, and I hope you never need to use it.