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Hurricane Facts & Features

Hurricane Preparation Checklists

Apr 30, 2010; 8:00 AM ET

Despite living along the coast, and even after major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008, a 2009 survey revealed that most residents are not prepared for a hurricane. The U.S. Government's National Hurricane Center advises the following actions for hurricane disaster preparation.

1. Develop a Family Disaster Plan

Developing a Family Disaster Plan is an often-overlooked but crucial part of disaster preparedness. Do you know what your escape routes are if a hurricane is approaching? Do you know which evacuation area you live in? If family members are separated during a disaster and communication is unavailable, how will you know where to meet?

2. Create A Disaster Supply Kit

Creating a Disaster Supply Kit includes not only food and water, but items like clothing, hygiene items, medicine and things to pass the time. You could be in a shelter without everyday items for days after a major hurricane.

3. Have A Place To Go

If you are ordered to evacuate, you should. But where will you go? Thousands of people will be asking that same thing, and competing against you for suitable locations. Know where to go prior to the storm's approach.

4. Secure Your Home

In that 2009 survey, 97% of respondents didn't know that garage doors are the structural component most likely to fail during a hurricane, yet Garage Door Retrofit kits are widely available in coastal areas. Find out how to secure those and other parts of your home before the storm hits.

5. Have A Pet Plan

If you have pets, you'll need supplies and carriers for them as well. You'll need to find an evacuation point that will accept pets and monitor their behavior after the storm, when all their familiar surroundings have changed.

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AccuWeather, Inc. or AccuWeather.com

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Hurricane Preparation Checklists

Apr 30, 2010; 8:00 AM ET

Despite living along the coast, and even after major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008, a 2009 survey revealed that most residents are not prepared for a hurricane. The U.S. Government's National Hurricane Center advises the following actions for hurricane disaster preparation.