Hurricane readiness checklist

• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands the hurricane plan.
• Identify whether anyone in your household may need additional help during an emergency.
• Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
• Follow instructions from local emergency managers.
• Have several ways to receive alerts. Sign up for community alerts in your area and know about the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert.
• Review insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID. Make copies and keep them in a secure, password-protected digital space.
• De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture and consider hurricane shutters.
• Keep your cell phone charged when a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices.
• Prepare a go bag or car trunk with medication and disinfectant supplies. You may not have access to supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
• Check on people who may need additional help and see how you can assist them.

• Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
• If local officials tell you to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter or an interior room for high winds.
• If trapped by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don't Drown!
• Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.

Flood water can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

• Be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing and use appropriate face coverings or masks.
• Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If safe, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box.
• Do not wade in flood water. It can contain pathogens, debris, chemicals, waste, wildlife and electrical hazards.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.

People with asthma and other lung conditions or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or visible or smelled mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.