Before Hurricane Season

Complete this checklist before hurricane season:

Checklist

• Your home:
  • Make a list of loose items that should be brought in our tied down (patio furniture, garbage cans, plants, etc.). Don't forget the TV antenna.
  • Urge neighbours to hurricane-proof their homes, also. Their flying debris may damage other properties.
  • Trim trees and brushes so the wind can blow through easily. Excess limbs can become deadly projectiles, breaking windows and damaging roofs
  • Consider hurricane shutters or plywood to protect all sliding-glass doors, windows, double-entry doors
  • Consider to brace garage doors. Single-wide doors need one vertical support in the middle; double-wide doors need two or three. Check with a shutter company or contractor about garage door storm bars.
  • Cement loose tiles and both outside and on the roofs.
  • Know the location of the main electric breaker, water valve and gas valve.
  • Photograph or videotape your home and personal property.
• Pets:
  • Check with your veterinarian about how your pet might react to a hurricane and whether you need to take any special precautions for sick or exotic pets (parrots, reptiles, etc.).
  • Get ID tags for all your pets.
• Boats:
  • Make a plan. Consider mooring options well in advance.
  • Make sure your boat is watertight and in sound condition. Absentee owners should arrange a supervised inspection.
  • If you keep your boat on a trailer, check with the boat manufacturer about the best way to secure your boat during a storm.
  • If you have made mooring arrangements, check the size and strength of the deck hardware (for example, primary chocks, cleats, bitts, bollards, and winches). Hurricane moorings should have double lines.
  • Purchase necessary hurricane materials such as additional mooring lines, crew anchors, fenders, fender boards, chafing gear and anchors. These items may not be available when a hurricane watch is issued.
  • At marinas, ask the management about hurricane policies and procedures for boats left at the facility.
  • Rehearse your planned boat movements.
  • Make sure your insurance policy is current.
  • Record and keep with the you the vessel's registration number, description, and mooring location. Also, keep current photographs or video of your boat.

Essential Information