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Hurricane Information

Hurricane Information

Hurricane Information

During and After a Storm

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If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

  • Listen to the radio or TV for information. Follow the City's Facebook, Instagram,and Twitter social media channels.
  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors
  • Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
  • Turn off propane tanks. Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies
  • Move your boat if time permits.
  • Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

  • If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
  • If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
  • If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
  • If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
  • If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

  • Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
  • Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
  • Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
  • Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
  • Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

After a Hurricane

Typically, more deaths occur after a hurricane than during. These deaths come from people being too anxious to get outside and survey the damage where they come into contact with downed power lines or unstable trees, etc. Follow these suggestions for staying safe after the hurricane:

  • Remain indoors until an official "all clear" is given.
  • Do not touch fallen or low-hanging wires of any kind under any circumstances; stay away from puddles with wires in/near them; o not touch trees or other objects in contact with power lines.
  • USE PHONES ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES - Call 911 only for life-threatening situations.
  • Call police or utility companies immediately to report hazards such as downed power lines, broken gas or water mains, overturned gas tanks, etc.
  • Watch for weakened roads, bridges, tree limbs or porches which could collapse unexpectedly.
  • After power is restored, check refrigerated food for spoilage; spoiled food is the cause of much sickness two days to a week after the storm.
  • When reinstalling a CB, TV or satellite antenna, check in all directions to be sure no power lines are nearby; the same goes for climbing trees to clear debris.
  • Do not operate charcoal grills, propane camping stoves or generators indoors.

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