Hurricane Eye Survival: Protecting Your Home & Safety During Calm

Hurricane season starts in June and plugs away until November. To protect your home and family, prepare for the dangerous season with a disaster supply kit, a home safety plan and an evacuation route. But if you're in the middle of the hurricane's relatively calm eye, stay put. A few quick actions can help guard your home and keep you safer when the full force of the storm returns.

Things You'll Need

• Storm boards and electrical tape
• Cash; without power, banks and ATMs will be closed
• Drinking water; at least one gallon per person per day for two weeks
• Medications for at least four weeks
• First aid kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses
• Nonperishable foods; at least two weeks supply
• Flashlights and batteries for each member of the family
• Portable radio and at least seven sets of batteries
• Insect repellent
• Coolers; at least 2 large coolers, one for food and the other to keep ice
• Charcoal and ice; these are in short supply before and after storms
• Window/roof repair supplies, including plastic tarp, screening, garbage bags, tools and nails
• Water purification kit (tablets, chlorine, iodine)
• Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles)
• Cleanup supplies (mop, buckets, towels, disinfectant)
• Camera
• Non-electric can opener
• Extra batteries for camera, flashlights, radio, portable TV, lamps
• Toilet paper, paper towels and pre-moistened towelettes

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Instructions

• 1

  Listen to weather reports to find out how quickly the hurricane is moving. If the calm weather is expected to last more than a few minutes, head outside and repair any boarded-up windows that may have been damaged by the first part of the storm.

• 2

  Bring all outdoor equipment indoors. Secure anything that could become a projectile in high winds.

• 3

  Turn off all water and electricity. Switch off water at the main valve; shut off electricity at main fuse box. Turning off the water and electricity may prevent electrical hazards.

• 4

  Huddle in an interior, windowless space. This is the safest way to protect yourself against high winds and rushing water. A walk-in closet that's not connected to an exterior wall is a good choice. Bring food, water, a radio and medical supplies with you. Don't leave the space until the winds have died down and you're certain the storm has passed.