Preparations for hurricane season

These actions will help you and your family prepare for hurricane season:

• Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.
• Locate the nearest shelter if you need to leave your home.
• Review/update insurance policies.
• Build or replenish your emergency kit with hurricane supplies.
• Create, be familiar with and test your family plan.
• Stay informed with the latest local and national information.

Evacuation plan

Add evacuation routes and shelter areas to your plan. Load evacuation routes and nearest shelter directions to your phone maps. If you live in a hurricane zone, now is the time to know your way to shelters/safe areas. Know where you would go and how to get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles but need multiple options.

Your destination could be to a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone. If you live in a well-built home outside the evacuation zone, your safest place may be your home.

Stay alert, listen and move following the direction of your local authorities.

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. Most importantly, make a plan today.

Don’t leave your pet stranded

Your pet may be your best friend but due to health regulations most emergency shelters cannot house animals.

Find out in advance how to care for your pets and working animals when disaster strikes. Pets should not be left behind—check with your veterinarian, a friend or your local animal shelter about options should you have to leave your home. Be sure to take food and water for your pets.

Remember that you may need to adjust evacuation plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines. Stay informed. Build and test your preparedness plan and “go” kit.

As we look to a forecasted “active” tropical storm and hurricane 2024 season, continue to protect you and your family by staying informed with local forecasts, having a preparedness plan and following guidance from local emergency management officials.