Disaster Preparedness -
Will You Evacuate or Stay?

The following checklist will help you decide whether to evacuate or not:

Plan to GO if ...

An evacuation order has been issued.
You live in a structure that is not built to code.
Your home is vulnerable to storm surge or inland flooding.
You can leave early enough to meet estimated regional clearance times. It is very dangerous to be on the highway during a storm.

Identify a friend, relative or a hotel/motel in a safe area where you can stay if ordered to evacuate. An American Red Cross shelter should be used as a last resort.
Don't wait until the last minute. Expect congested roadways. Plan on leaving at least 24 to 36 hours in advance of the storm making landfall, or when the evacuation order is issued.
Have a plan for you, your family, and your pets. If you own or run a business, encourage your employees to have a plan.
Make a survival kit, including a battery-powered radio.
Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, and consider purchasing flood insurance if you reside in a flood prone area.
Inventory, document, and photograph items in your residence or business.
Cover all windows and doors, especially patio doors, with securely fastened, impact-resistant shutters.
Purchase materials such as plywood and plastic sheeting.
Refill prescriptions. Maintain at least a on-month supply during hurricane season.
Register with your county emergency management agency if you cannot make arrangements for transportation or other special assistance due to age, disability, or other special need.

Bring your survival kit.
Take important papers with you.
Lock windows and doors.
Turn off electricity at the main breaker.
Place valuable items in your empty appliances, such as a washer, dryer, oven, or microwave.
Place plastic bags over TV's, computers, and other electronics.
Remove anything in your yard that could become windborne.
Listen to weather updates on TV or radio.
Protect your property by bracing double entry and garage doors.
Register with your county emergency management agency if you cannot make arrangements for transportation or other special assistance due to age, disability, or other special need.

Stay tuned to your radio or TV for additional information.
Be aware that you may not be able to return to your home until search and rescue operations are complete and downed trees and power lines have been cleared.
Make temporary repairs to your roof, walls or windows to make your home safer and minimize further damage. Hire a licensed contractor to do permanent repairs. Contact your insurance company.
Assess and photograph damages to your property.
Report damage to your home or business to the Red Cross, emergency personnel and your insurance company. This will allow response and recovery agencies to evaluate the extent of the damage faster.
Make sure you have valid photo identification with your current local address.

You live in a structure that is built after 1973 when Florida adopted a standard building code.
You do not live in a manufactured or mobile home.
Your home is not vulnerable to storm surge or inland flooding.
You have reduced the threat of falling trees by trimming and/or removing dead, dying or diseased trees.
You have mitigated the effects of severe winds on your home by installing hurricane shutters on windows and bracing your garage door.
You have prepared a multi-hazard Disaster Response Plan for yourself, your family and your pets.
You have prepared a Disaster Survival Kit that includes cash, two weeks supply of food, water and one month's supply of prescription medicines.
You have identified a Safe Room within your home.
You have a battery powered radio and/or TV with extra batteries.

Obtain a 2-week supply of nonperishable foods.
Fill your vehicle's gas tank and check oil, water and tires.
Report any stormwater ditches that may be blocked or over-grown.
Have a plan for you, your family, and your pets. If you own or run a business, encourage your employees to have a plan.
Make a survival kit, including a battery-powered radio.
Review your homeowner's or renter's insurance policies, and consider purchasing flood insurance if you reside in a flood-prone area.
Identify a safe area in your home - an interior room, closet, hallway, or bathroom on the lowest floor.
Remove anything in your yard that could become windborne.
Inventory, document, and photograph items in your residence or business.
Cover all windows and doors, especially patio doors, with securely fastened, impact-resistant shutters.
Protect your property by bracing double entry and garage doors.
Purchase materials such as plywood and plastic sheeting.
Refill prescriptions. Maintain at least a one-month supply during hurricane season.

Turn off electricity if flood waters threaten your property.
Turn off major appliances, such as the air conditioner and water heater, if you lose power.
Listen to weather updates on TV or radio.
If loss of electricity occurs, listen on a battery-powered radio.

Monitor local radio and TV for recovery activities.
Be prepared to live without power, normal access to water, food, or any of the services you rely on regularly.
Use a generator but be sure to keep the generator outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Avoid driving. Debris in roadways is a safety hazard.
Don't touch downed utility wires.
Use grills outdoors.
Use your telephone only for emergencies so lines can remain open for emergency communications.
Access and photograph damages to your property.
Make temporary repairs to your roof, walls or windows to make your home safer and minimize further damage. Hire a licensed contractor to do permanent repairs. Contact your insurance company.
If widespread flooding occurs, you may have to disinfect any tap water by boiling it first, or by adding chlorine bleach (8 drops per gallon), before consuming it.
Report damage to your home or business to the Red Cross, emergency personnel and your insurance company. This will allow response and recovery agencies to evaluate the extent of the damage faster.
Make sure you have valid photo identification with your current local address.