During an Event:
If you have time before a flood:
Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
Move valuables, such as papers, furs, jewelry, and clothing to upper floors or higher elevations: house deeds, renter’s lease, social security cards, prescriptions, birth certificates, and other identification documents should be kept together for evacuation in an accessible place.
Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside, or tie them down securely.
Throughout the year trim and cut back any tree limbs that could cause damage during a storm.
Preparing your Home for Disaster:
Installing permanent storm shutters or barriers over doors and windows on a home ensures the best storm protection.
Winds during strong storms and hurricanes can cause debris and materials to pummel a home, breaking through windows and doors, causing both structural damage and water damage by exposing a home to the outside elements.
The best time to prepare a home is well before a storm threat, during the actual design process of the home so shutters and barriers can be retrofitted into the actual design of the home, but mitigating a home for hurricanes can also be done long after a home has been built.
Windows and doors can be boarded up using plywood, preferably a marine grade or exterior grade wood with 5/8 inch thickness or greater. Taping windows does little to nothing during a major storm.
If nothing else, remove valuables away from windows and doors and try to keep items in a room without outdoor access or an upper story if possible.
If there is enough time, remove any perishables from the fridge or freezer to keep foods from spoiling during a power outage.