BEFORE THE CONE
Make a family plan. Don’t forget special plans for elderly, handicapped, children and pets.
Get a disaster supply kit.
Know your evacuation zone.
Understand Watch vs. Warning.
Purchase a NOAA weather radio.
Trim trees and shrubs around your home.
Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters are best. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
5-DAY CONE ACTIONSReview your family disaster plan.
Get your survival kit and important papers ready.
If you or a family member is elderly, handicapped or has special care needs, be sure you know about special needs shelters.
Take photos of your property from all angles. It may not look the same after the storm passes.
Begin work to prepare your home and yard.
Check for, fix or remove loose items on your structures/homes.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and down spouts.
If you live in an evacuation zone, know where you will go and how you will get there.
3-DAY CONE ACTIONS
As a storm moves closer, the accuracy of the forecast improves. If Escambia County is within the 3-day cone, residents should step up their preparations.
Double check your disaster kit and make necessary purchases to avoid lines and traffic.
Gather special supplies for infants, children, seniors and pets.
Be sure you have all materials and tools necessary to shutter windows.
If your plans are to evacuate, make arrangements, book reservations and pack what you can in your vehicle.
HURRICANE WATCH ACTIONSAbout 48 hours ahead of a storm, forecasters will issue a hurricane watch for areas within the cone that can expect hurricane conditions. Everyone in that area must prepare as if the storm is headed directly for their home. If the storm changes path or speed, the time between a watch and a warning might be only six hours.
If you are in an evacuation zone or a mobile/manufactured home, the goal is to be fully prepared to evacuate one or two hours ahead of the warning being issued if needed. If you live in a non-evacuation zone, the goal is to complete all preparations within one or two hours after the warning.
Fill vehicle gas tank.
Get cash. Secure papers & valuables.
Refill medications.
Fill containers and tubs with water, even if evacuating - you may need the water when you return.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.
Shutter your windows.
Prepare boats.
Help neighbors with their preparations.
If your plans are to evacuate out of the local area, secure your home so you can leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.
If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, be sure you have everything you need for your “go bag”.
HURRICANE WARNING ACTIONSA storm will be about 36 hours from impact when the hurricane warning is issued. Official evacuation orders may be issued not long after a warning. Whenever any evacuation is ordered, all manufactured home residents should evacuate. For those not in manufactured homes, be sure to know your zone so you can understand and follow official emergency instructions.
Stay tuned to local news and get your weather radio ready.
Complete any final preparations.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep the doors closed.
If you plan to travel out of the area and can leave at this point, do so now to avoid traffic jams.
If you are registered for transportation to a public shelter, have a “go bag” ready.
If evacuation orders are issued, determine if your residence is affected.
If you are evacuating locally, leave for your designated safe location. If you are utilizing a public shelter, check which shelters are open.
If you are not required to evacuate, prepare a safe room in your home and stay off the roads to enable evacuation traffic to clear the area.
Notify your designated out-of-town contact and let them know where you are sheltering.
Avoid using the phone, except for emergencies.
