If you plan to evacuate ...

If you plan to evacuate, your plan should include where you will go, the route to get there, when you will leave and what to take with you, and what preparations you will make to your home.

If you plan to stay, make sure that you have all of the supplies necessary to be on your own for at least 72 hours. If you are planning to go to an evacuation shelter, have your shelter supplies kit packed and ready.

Make sure that you have all the materials on hand to protect your home and that you prepare your home no later than when a hurricane warning is issued. You should also trim dead wood and limbs from your trees.

Don’t forget to make arrangements for your pets.

If a storm is threatening the area, listen to local media for information and actions to be taken.

In addition you should:

** Fuel your vehicle.

** Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools.

** Install your storm shutters or plywood and secure all doors.

** Prepare boats as appropriate.

** Turn up refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings.

** Turn off small appliances that are not needed.

** If you evacuate, turn off your air conditioner. If you stay at home and the power goes off, turn off your air conditioner. Turn it back on only after power has been restored in your area.

** Turn off all LP tanks.

** Fill sinks and bathtubs with water.

** Get an extra supply of cash.

** Call someone out of town to let them know of your plans. Then instruct other family members to call that person for information about you after the storm. It is usually easier for you to call out of the area after a storm than it is for others to call into the area.