Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch Preparation
(Complete when under a Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch)

Secure your home

0. Install shutters, storm panels or plywood over all windows, doors, skylights, open vents.
1. Insert wedges in all doors and sliding patio doors. Doors that open inward will have to be wedged and bolted so that strong winds don't blow the doors open and expose the entire house to damaging winds. Placing a large piece of furniture next to the door will also help. If unprotected patio doors are not wedged, the damaging winds will lift them from their track, allowing wind to blow in.
2. Secure garage doors and porch doors. If you can leave a car in the garage, back it up against the closed door.
3. Lower television and radio antennas.
4. Protect appliances and furniture by elevating them off the floor and covering them with plastic. Move valuables to upper floors.
5. Remove at least 75 percent of any screen-enclosed panels, to avoid tearing and excessive damage to the enclosure. These panels can easily be refitted once the storm passes by.
6. Set the refrigerator thermostat to maximum cold, and don't open unless necessary.
7. Recharge appropriate equipment, such as electric drills, tools; cellular phones, batteries.

0. Remove loose objects from the yard and patio.
1. Prune dead or dying tree limbs.
2. Tie down any large objects that cannot be brought in such as propane tanks, swingsets, etc. These might become deadly missiles in high winds.
3. Close all outside electrical outlets and cover with duct tape.
4. Do not drain your swimming pool. Keep the pool filled to about 12 inches below the edge. Add additional chlorine. Turn off electricity to pool and cover the filter pump.

0. Purchase fresh and extra batteries for radio and flashlights.
1. Make as much ice as can be stored in available freezer space.
2. Refill prescription medications and obtain an extra supply of special medications or supplies.
3. Purchase additional nonperishable food that does not need cooking. Don't forget pet food or special dietary supplies.

0. Moor your boat. If possible take out it of water and store well inland. Check with the local marina if you are docked there. If leaving the boat and trailer outside, remove air from the trailer tires and tie the boat to the trailer. If possible, anchor the trailer. Remove all electronics and personal items once the boat is secured.
1. Keep your vehicle(s) filled with gas.
2. Get extra cash from the bank since electronic tellers might be out for days after a major storm due to power failures and damage.
3. Review your evacuation plans; make sure the family knows the plan and how to reach emergency assistance.
4. Have a plan in case family members are separated.

Checklist

0. Candles and plenty of matches
1. Car tank filled with gasoline
2. Extra ice in freezer
3. Special infant needs - diapers, bottles and formula, medicine
4. Camera and film; extra batteries
5. Sterno fuel and unit; charcoal
6. Extra drinking water
7. Tub filled with water
8. Pets inside or otherwise protected
9. Loose outside objects stored or secured
10. First-aid kit and manuals
11. Tree branches tied or cut
12. TV antenna taken down
13. Fire extinguisher
14. Flashlight or lantern, extra batteries
15. Radio, extra batteries
16. Raingear, change of clothing; heavy/sturdy boots or shoes; work gloves
17. Extra cash/credit cards
18. Personal hygiene items
19. Medications and specific medical information
20. Pantry well stocked: canned goods, dry milk, dry cereals and baby food, powered drinks, bread; non-electric can opener; plastic utensils; garbage bags

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning Preparation
(Complete when under a Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning)

Quickly complete all chores listed under "Hurricane/Tropical Storm Watch Checklist" above

You should plan to arrive at the shelter or stay indoors no later than the expected arrival time of tropical storm force winds. Determine whether to evaculate or to stay. Your initial choice might be to ride out the storm but always prepare to leave.

If you live in a mobile home, it is always best to evacuate.

If you are in an area under an official evacuation order, state law may require you to evacuate.

If You Plan To Evacuate:

0. Turn off main gas valve to house.
1. Sterilize, then fill water containers, sinks and bath tubs, then turn off main water valve to house.
2. Close drapes and lock all windows and doors.
3. Lower awnings.
4. Leave a 2 week supply of food and water for your pets (shelters do not accept pets). Make sure all have proper identification.
5. Load Hurricane Disaster Supplies Kit into car.
6. Take personal papers, insurance documents, driver's license, property inventories with you in a water-proof container.
7. Turn off electricity at main box.
8. Plan to leave and get to evacuation site during daylight hours.
9. Drive safely to evacuation site.

0. Turn off main gas valve to house.
1. Sterilize, then fill water containers, sinks, and bath tubs, then turn off main water to house.
2. Close drapes and lock all windows and doors.
3. Lower awnings.
4. Use phone only for emergencies.
5. Put personal papers, insurance documents, drivers license, property inventories in a water-proof container and keep near you.
6. Turn off electricity at main box before the storm hits, then use flashlights.
7. Stay indoors on a middle floor, in the middle of the house, away from windows and doors.
8. During the storm, the safest position is sitting on the floor with your head tucked between your knees. Place your arms over your head to shield yourself from flying objects.
9. Beware of the calm conditions when the eye passes overhead. Stay indoors until the entire storm has passed.