Hurricane Prep 2012

Hurricane Prep 2012: What you need to do right away to get ready (Checklist)

This storm-preparation checklist, updated for 2012, was developed by a team of our editors who have endured and covered more than a dozen hurricanes.

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TO DO TODAY AND THIS WEEK:

Create a family emergency kit.

If you have not placed your important documents in a bank safe-deposit box, collect them, copy them and take them there.

Using your camera and/or video recorder, create an updated, visual inventory of the conditions and contents of your home. Store these images in your bank safe-deposit box or another secure, dry area.

Set up an emergency contact who lives outside your immediate area.

Know where and exactly how to shut off electricity, gas and water at your home.

Crank up your portable generator and chainsaw to test them, and buy extra oil and oil filters, as needed.

Review your plan to prepare your house for any approaching storm, and to evacuate your family in case of an evacuation order. And decide what you would do with your pets.

If you own a boat, think about how you would secure it, or where and how you’d relocate it in an emergency.

Examine all your coolers. Ask yourself: Would they suffice if I had to unload my freezer, and had no power for a week?

Look over your property insurance policy and its details. If you are interested in obtaining flood insurance, call your agent or check the fema.gov website for a list of participating companies.

TO DO THIS MONTH:

Be sure that you’re aware of evacuation routes, and learn the locations of shelters serving your area.

Stock up on basic emergency supplies to keep at home or carry with you.

Stash away some emergency cash at home.

Check your flashlights, and put in fresh batteries.

Be sure that your fire extinguisher is in working order and is sufficient for your home and property.

Buy updated road maps of your local area, state and region.

Purchase and cut plywood to fit over windows and doors; pre-drill the anchoring holes.

Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Repair or replace any broken wooden fencing on your property.

Make a list of your outdoor stuff that might be dangerous in hurricane winds. (Folding chairs, hanging plants, toys, loose lumber, etc.)

Make sure that exterior doors have at least an inch-long security bolt.

Add heavy-duty foot and head bolts to double-entry doors.

Ensure that screened enclosures are in good condition and well-anchored to the house.

Schedule any roof repairs, and to talk with a builder or home improver about installing hurricane straps and clips if you lack them.

If you have car problems, go ahead and deal with them.

If you are thinking of buying hurricane shutters, generators or chain saws, this is an excellent time to get that done.

If you already own a generator and/or chain saw, test them to ensure that they will start.

Check your garage door. Could it withstand a hurricane? Maybe it’s time to reinforce it or replace it.

Fill the propane tank for your outdoor grill; buy a second tank.

IF A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED:

Stay tuned to media sources and be aware of updates.

Make sure you have a battery-powered radio.

Make arrangements to leave your home, should that become necessary.

Designate a potential safe room in your house in the interior, should you need it.

Check your family emergency kit; be ready to take it with you.

Collect valuable paperwork, including prescription information, in a watertight container; be ready to take it with you.

Get in touch with your emergency contact to report your plans.

Top off gasoline tanks in your vehicles; make sure that the vehicle battery is in good condition.

Have extra cash available.

Bring in or secure outdoor decorative items or objects.

Bring in tools and power equipment that you would need for the storm cleanup.

Prepare to secure windows and doors with coverings.

Prepare to secure the garage door.

Be sure that gutters and downspouts are clear.

Locate utility cutoffs.

Possibly, you may want to place collars and ID tags on your dogs and cats.

IF A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED:

Take a final video or photo inventory of your house and property; you should already have made such a video at the start of hurricane season and placed it in a secure, dry location.

Charge cell phones to the max.

As warranted, elevate furniture a few inches, and cover expensive furniture with plastic sheeting.

Place a set of clean clothes in the dryer for safekeeping.

Secure the garage door.

Lower water in swimming pool by at least one foot.

Take down framed objects from the walls.

Fill tubs and large containers with water for cleaning and flushing.

Set the refrigerator on the lowest setting; make plenty of ice for coolers.

Shut off power, water and gas if ordered to do so.

BASIC SUPPLIES THAT YOU MAY NEED ON HAND IN CASE OF A HURRICANE:

Drinking water, in plastic bottles or jugs; a gallon per family member per day. (The American Red Cross recommends a three-day supply for families planning to evacuate, and a two-week supply for those sheltering in place.)
Water for sanitation
Ample family medications
Ready-to-eat food
High-energy snacks
Battery charger, that you can use in your vehicle, for your cell phone and computer tablet
Multi-purpose tool
NOAA weather radio
First-aid kit
Waterproof bags
Phone charger
Copies of: medication list, Social Security card, driver’s license, credit cards, deed/lease, passports, residency cards, birth certificates, insurance policies
Disinfectant
Household bleach
Liquid soap, detergent
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Towelettes
Paper plates, cups, plastic utensils
Aluminum foil
Emergency blankets
Baby supplies
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Denture needs
Shampoo
Personal care items
Extra eye glasses
Contact lens supplies
Cloth towels
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Plastic garbage bags
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and bug repellant
Rain gear
Gloves
Blankets or sleeping bags
Spare flashlights
Spare set of keys
Extra batteries
Kids games
Camera
Whistle
Crowbar
Blue tarps
A can of roofing tar
Scissors
Box matches/disposable lighters
Pliers, screwdrivers, hammer
Manual can opener
Shut-off wrench for gas, water
Plastic storage bins
Strong rope
Duct tape
Bungee cords
Pet food
Pet medications; sanitation supplies; photos