Storm-Ready Starts at Home: Your Hurricane Prep List (Part 2)

As hurricane season ramps up, it’s important to be prepared. If you have not yet updated your contact information, go to our website and submit the form with your email address and phone number, to receive alerts from us.

Categories

BEFORE THE STORM: PREPARE EARLY

Build an Emergency Kit
After a hurricane, storm damage, power outages, and debris can make it difficult to access
necessities.  Assemble an emergency kit with two weeks of supplies including:

  • Bottled water
  • Non-perishable food
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • Can opener
  • Flashlights
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Batteries
  • Portable phone chargers
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes
  • Pet food
  • Personal hygiene items/toiletries

Secure Your Home
If a hurricane is coming, protect your home from high winds and flooding. Complete this checklist to prepare your home:

  • Bring inside any outdoor items that could be picked up by strong winds like lawn furniture, decor, and trash cans
  • Anchor and weigh down anything that must stay outdoors
  • Trim or remove weak trees and branches to avoid damage from falling limbs 
  • Protect windows with storm shutters or plywood
  • Clean out drains, gutters, and downspouts
  • Protect important documents in waterproof containers and back them up digitally.

Make an Evacuation Plan
Create an emergency plan including details for where your family and pets will go for shelter in case of an evacuation – and know your evacuation routes. Remember, not all shelters accept pets. Make sure to communicate the evacuation plan to family members, both local contacts and out-of-town emergency contacts, well in advance of the storm.

DURING THE STORM: STAY SAFE

  • Avoid using water unless necessary; conserve stored water and heed any notifications
  • Don’t flush toilets if wastewater systems are backed up or impacted (you will be notified)
  • Report any water line breaks or sewer overflows to our Customer Service Team (available 24/7 for emergencies)
  • Monitor weather forecasts and updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center.

AFTER THE STORM: TAKE PRECAUTION

  • Avoid contact with floodwaters which may contain sewage or other contaminants from the storm
  • Check your pipes for damage and report any water or sewer issues immediately
  • Be sure to check for Advisories from us and on our website

Storm season can be unpredictable. Taking these steps now helps ensure you and your family
stay safe!

Click Part 1 (PARTNERS IN PREPAREDNESS: HOW WE WEATHER THE STORM TOGETHER), to see how we prepare for severe weather.