- During a disaster, it is important to monitor local radio, television and your NOAA Weather Radio for local weather reports. Local radio and television can also offer you information about emergency housing, shelter information, first aid and other forms of assistance.
Heed the advice of local authorities. If ordered to evacuate:
- Leave as early as possible to avoid traffic, preferably in daylight
- Leave mobile homes in any case
- Unplug all appliances before leaving your home
- Have road maps and reservations ready at a motel/hotel
- Stay with friends, relatives or at a low-rise inland motel/hotel outside flood zones
- Most public shelters do now allow pets nor do most motels/hotels, so make arrangements for them ahead of time
If you are not ordered to evacuate:
- Monitor the radio or television for weather conditions
- Do not go outside, even if the storm appears to have subsided. The calm or "eye" of the storm can pass quickly, leaving you outside when strong winds resume
- Stay away from all windows and exterior doors and seek shelter in a bathroom or basement. Bathtubs can provide some shelter if you cover yourself with plywood or other materials
- Evacuate to a shelter or a neighbor's home if your home is damaged or if you are instructed to do so by emergency personnel
- If power is lost, turn off all major appliances to reduce the chances of damage of a power surge
- Do not handle electrical equipment and do not use the telephone except in an emergency
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