Plan Ahead, BEFORE the storm
Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.
• How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is my shelter plan?
• What is my evacuation route?
• What is my family/household communication plan?
• Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
Step 2: Consider specific needs in your household.
As you prepare your plan, tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance.
Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:
• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs such as devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children
Step 3: Know your Evacuation Zone
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
Step 4: Recognize Warnings and Alerts
Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide.
Step 5: Review Important Documents
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
Step 6: Strengthen your Home
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
Step 7: Get Tech Ready
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Step 8: Gather Supplies
Have enough supplies for 
your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
During the Storm
Hunker Down. Stay Calm.
Stay informed with a battery operated radio. Make sure you and your family are in a strong interior room without windows. If you have gas appliances, make sure the gas supply is turned off. Unplug any unnecessary or sensitive electrical equipment. Do not go outside until you are certain the storm has passed. Remember, winds will subside when the eye of the hurricane is overhead and the most severe winds of the storm can start up almost instantly as the eye wall passes. STAY INSIDE.
After the Storm
Use extreme caution. There are hidden dangers everywhere –
• Pay attention to local officials for information and special instructions.• Be careful during clean up.
• Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
• People with asthma and other lung conditions and/or
immunocompromised should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold. Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.
• Work with someone else do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
• Do not wade in flood water. This water also can contain debris, chemicals, and waste. Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.
• Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.