Top Six Preparedness Tips for Hurricane Season

Hurricane Iniki at peak intensity on Sept. 11 at 2358 UTC. This image was produced from data from NOAA-11, provided by NOAA.

The Hawai‘i Red Cross has released its top six hurricane preparedness tips to help families stay safe this hurricane season, which has officially arrived as of June 1.

Forecasters are predicting an average of five to eight tropical cyclones this year. The prediction is neutral to just slightly above average, according to historical data.

Top Six Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips:

1. Create an evacuation plan with household members. Be prepared to evacuate quickly if told to do so.
2. Build an emergency kit that includes: One gallon of water per person (per day), non-perishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered radio, first aid kit, medications, supplies for an infant if needed, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, extra cash, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
3. Ensure uninterrupted access to NOAA radio broadcasts. Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio at the Red Cross Store.
4. Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or invest in one-half inch marine plywood that is pre-cut to fit your doors and windows. Identify a place to store lawn furniture, toys, gardening tools and trash cans (away from stairs and exits) to prevent them from moving in high wind conditions and possibly causing injury.
5. Be informed. Learn the community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for pets. If travel is in your plans, learn about how emergency situations are communicated at your destination.
6. Download the free Red Cross Emergency App for expert guidance on what to do before, during and after hurricanes, as well as 34 other types of emergencies. All Red Cross apps can be found in smartphone app stores by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.
7. Check food and water in existing disaster kits to ensure they are not expired, and check that copies of important documents are up to date. If an emergency plan already exists for the household, the Red Cross encourages family members to review it in preparation for hurricane season.

Visit here for full information about what to do before, during and after a hurricane.