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Developing Your Family Plan


  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and strong winds. Keep trees/shrubs trimmed and keep gutters/downspouts clear.
  • Select an evacuation place. It could be with a relative, friend, or at a hotel or public shelter.
  • Locate a safe room in your house. This is normally an interior room with no windows on the lowest floor. Examples are a closet, laundry room or bathroom.
  • Determine escape routes from your home and designate places to meet.
  • Designate someone out-of-state as a contact so all your family members have a single point of contact.
  • Make a plan for your pets whether you stay or evacuate.
  • If a family member needs life support equipment, make special plans for them. Register with your county office of Emergency Management for a Special Care Shelter. Bring special equipment, supplies and medication for three days. Ask your medical supply vendor about any services they provide in the event of a hurricane and/or power failure.
  • Purchase 1/2" plywood and cut to fit your windows or purchase hurricane shutters. Check any existing shutters for damage and durability. Make sure they are easily accessible during hurricane season.
  • Put valuables, photos, and important papers in waterproof bags and store in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box. This list includes: photos of the inside and outside of your home, driver’s license, list of medications, important names and addresses, account numbers, insurance policy numbers, and phone numbers of doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, family and friends.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
  • Review your insurance coverage. Flood damages are not usually covered by basic home owner’s coverage.
  • Stock your must-have supplies.
  • Use an NOAA weather radio.