Hurricane season is upon us again and it is very important to be prepared in the event one of these storms strikes North Carolina.

Below, you will find tips and information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help you prepare for a potential Hurricane. If you are a Thirteenth District resident and would like a printed Hurricane safety brochure, please stop by or call one of our district offices to request a copy.

FEMA Recommendations

FEMA has valuable hurricane preparedness information available at www.fema.gov/media, including how to prepare a “go kit” and how to hurricane-proof a home.

The Are You Ready guide is available for downloading in both English and Spanish or you may call FEMA toll free at 1-800-480-2520 for your free copy. To get a list of what contents should make up your disaster supply kit, visit www.ready.gov.

FEMA recommends the following preparedness steps in preparation for hurricanes:

Develop a family disaster plan and know how to stay safe during a hurricane.

Discuss with your family what to do should a hurricane come ashore and where you might go – to a shelter, a hotel or to stay with friends or relatives.

Make sure that children know to stay inside even when the winds die down – the eye may just be passing over and the storm will shortly resume.

Review your evacuation routes and remember to NEVER drive through high water.

Identify a friend or relative in another state or city to serve as a point-of-contact in case family members are separated

Pull together a disaster kit and store it in a portable container that you can take with you should you need to evacuate:
Three-day supply of food and bottled water
Manual can opener
Battery powered radio and flashlights with extra batteries
First aid kit and any medicines needed for family members
Duct tape, plastic sheeting and scissors
Hygiene and personal care items
Supplies for pets
Emergency contact list and phone numbers
Copies of important papers

Stay informed about hurricane preparedness and know your risks due to hurricanes or potential flooding.

Determine your risk. Know the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning and take the necessary precautions. If you live on the coast or in a vulnerable area, you may already know you are at risk for wind and/or water.

Take action to reduce potential water damage. Consider obtaining flood insurance, raising utilities or appliances or even elevating your home.

Keep out the wind. If you can keep your roof on, your windows intact and your garage door in place, you should stand a good chance of finding your home standing even after a severe hurricane.

Hurricane straps and hurricane shutters are cost-effective measures. Consult a building contractor, home improvement store of the FEMA Web site (www.fema.gov) for specifics.

Flooding

Americans living further inland may not realize they could also be at risk from the effects of a hurricane if living on a flood plain or in a flood vulnerable area. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a cost-effective way to financially prepare for floods. To learn more about your risk and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call (800) 427-4219.