One of the best steps that you can take to be prepared for a hurricane is to have a written hurricane plan of exactly what to do in the event that the threat of a hurricane is imminent. For hurricanes the proportion of Ike, insurance information, emergency number and supplies should all be on hand.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) recommends that everyone have a written disaster plan based on a number of different factors.
- Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Make sure you have insurance coverage for flood, wind and other hurricane
damages.
- Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home but within your community.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact.
- Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
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Check your insurance coverage - flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners insurance. Legitimate Ike insurance claims are still being contested by stingy insurance companies, so make sure you know what your coverage is good for and how to find a reputable attorney if you run into trouble getting your claim
- Stock non-perishable emergency supplies and a Disaster Supply Kit.
- Use a NOAA weather radio. Remember to replace its battery every 6 months, as you do with your smoke detectors.
- Take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes.
