What Can I Do Before a Hurricane?

• Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio to ensure you receive critical warning information.
• Register for CT Alert.
• Talk to your insurance agent about purchasing flood insurance.
• Plan how you and your family will safely evacuate if an evacuation is ordered, and inform all family members of this plan.
• Plan how you will communicate with family and friends if telephone or Internet systems are down.
• Make a 72-hour emergency kit.
• Plan what you will do to protect or evacuate your pets and/or farm animals.
• Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a storm.
• Install permanent hurricane shutters or buy the materials required to board up windows and doors.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
• Keep insurance policies, important documents, and other valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Learn how to turn off your utilities.

If a hurricane watch or warning is issued:

• Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
• Heed the advice of the governor or local emergency management officials.
• Prepare your property for high winds. Bring in or secure items that can be picked up by the wind and secure doors and windows with shutters or boards.
• Fill your car's gas tank.
• Stock up on prescription medications.
• If you are in a mobile home, check the tie-downs.
• Check your Disaster Supply Kit and replace or restock items as needed.
• Ensure that you have working flashlights and batteries.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to prepare for power outages.
• Keep important documents and valuables in a safe deposit box or in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. Close propane tank valves.
• Unplug small appliances that may be affected by power surges.
• Review your evacuation plan, and ensure your planned route is the same as what is currently recommended.
• If you think an evacuation might be ordered and you have large or numerous animals, consider evacuating them as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
• If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows, skylights, and doors, even if they are covered. A small interior room without windows on the first floor is usually the safest place.
• Store drinking water in clean plastic bottles and pots and pans. Fill bathtubs and sinks with water to use for flushing the toilet and washing floors and clothing (but not for drinking).

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What Should I Do During a Hurricane?

• Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
• Stay indoors, away from windows, skylights, and doors, even if they are covered.
• If power has been lost, do not open refrigerators or freezers unless absolutely necessary.
• If you need to venture outside, be aware of downed power lines.
• Avoid flooded roads or property which pose a drowning or electrocution risk.
• Maintain contact with friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.

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What Should I Do After a Hurricane?

• Monitor conditions using a NOAA Weather Radio or your preferred local news source.
• If you evacuated, return when emergency management officials indicate it is safe to do so.
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Check on friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable due to functional needs.
• If you locate someone who requires rescue, contact local emergency services.
• Avoid flooded areas and stay out of any building that has water around it.
• Immediately report loose or damaged power lines to the power company or emergency services.
• Use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings. DO NOT USE CANDLES.
• Examine structures to ensure they are not in danger of collapsing.
• Look for fire hazards, such as leaking gas lines, flooded electrical circuits, or submerged furnaces and appliances. If you smell gas or hear a hissing noise, open a window and quickly get outside. Turn off the gas, using the outside main valve if you can, and call the gas company from a neighbor's home.
• Look for electrical system damage. If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell burning insulation, turn off the electricity at the main circuit box (but do not step in water to do so). Call an electrician if required. Electrical equipment should be checked and dried before being returned to service.
• Check for sewage and water line damage. If damage exists, avoid using the toilets and call a plumber and the water company. Avoid using water from the tap.
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is safe. Floodwater may have contaminated public water supplies or wells. Local officials will provide information.
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Take pictures of the damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
• Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry out your home.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage. If the water is pumped out completely in a short period of time, pressure from water on the outside could cause basement walls to collapse.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.
• Use phones only for emergency calls to avoid overloading communication systems.
• If you have lost power and are using a generator, be sure to follow generator safety procedures.
• Keep all your animals under your direct control. Pets may become disoriented, particularly if the disaster has affected scent markers that normally allow them to find their home, and may be able to escape from your home or yard if fencing has been damaged. Be aware of hazards at nose and paw/hoof level, particularly debris, spilled chemicals, and other substances.

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