If you live near the Gulf of Mexico or along the Eastern Seaboard, you probably know the hurricane season starts in June and continues through November. If you live in a coastal area, identify your evacuation route. Your community's hurricane evacuation plan includes designated safe areas, areas to be evacuated during a hurricane emergency, and safe evacuation routes to shelter. Get information on emergency planning in your area by contacting your local civil defense or emergency management office.

Getting Ready for the Hurricane Your annual preparations for the hurricane season should include checking to see that you have a supply of non-perishable food, drinking water containers, candles, waterproof matches, a lantern and fuel, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries. Advisories and Warnings... The National Weather Service can usually provide 12 to 24 hours of advance warning. Advisories are issued by the Weather Service of NOAA when hurricanes approach land. A "Hurricane Watch" is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas. Everyone in the area covered by the "watch" should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning or evacuation order is issued. A "Hurricane Warning" is issued when hurricane winds of 74 miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in specific coastal area within 24 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately. During the Hurricane... Remain indoors during the hurricane. Blowing debris can injure and kill. Travel is extremely dangerous. Be especially wary of the "eye" of the hurricane. If the storm center passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half-an-hour or more. At the other side of the "eye" the winds will increase rapidly to hurricane force, and will come from the opposite direction. Please do not tie up the 911 lines with reports of power outages or fallen trees, limbs, etc. We expect those types of incidents to happen, so please save the emergency lines for actual emergencies. After the Hurricane has passed... If you are in a public shelter, remain there until informed by those in charge that it is safe to leave. Keep tuned to your local radio or television station for advice and instructions from local government about emergency medical, food, housing, and other forms of assistance. Stay out of diaster areas which could be dangerous and where your presence will interfere with essential rescue and recovery work. Do not use the telephone except for rescue, serious injuries or emergencies. Do not drive unless you must. Roads should be left clear for emergency vehicles and debris filled streets are dangerous. Along the coast, soil may be washed from beneath the pavement or bridge supports, which could collapse under the weight of a car. Avoid loose or dangling wires, and report them to your power company or local police or fire department. Report broken sewer, gas, or water mains to the appropriate utility company or service authority. Prevent fires. Do not use candles unless absolutely necessary. Check buildings for possible collapse before re-entry. Hurricanes moving inland can cause severe flooding. Stay away from river banks and streams until all potential flooding is past. If power has been off, check refrigerated food for spoilage. Do not used tap or well water until you are sure it is not contaminated.