Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Hurricane warnings... What should I do?

If no evacuation has been ordered:

• stay near your radio or TV.
• have a battery-powered radio on hand.
• gather your family disaster supply kit  including blankets and sleeping bags.
• keep children and pets indoors.
• call your emergency contact person to report your plans.
• have cash on hand and fill your car with gas.
• if you live on the coast and are in danger of storm surges, seek refuge in a designated room without windows in your home on an upper floor until the storm officially passes. 
• if you are in a location not subject to a coastal storm surge, go to a previously designated interior room on a lower floor of the home to protect yourself from wind-related damage.
• fill food grade containers with water from your tap and place    in refrigerator and thoroughly clean bathtub with bleach, rinse well and fill with water.
• place valuables and personal records in plastic zip lock bags and store at the highest level of your home.
• if you live in a mobile home, leave at the first sign of a hurricane or other serious storms and take shelter elsewhere.

If an evacuation has been ordered:

• do not disregard an evacuation notice.

•  turn off utilities.

• pack your disaster supply kit.

• lock doors and windows before leaving.

• prepare food, water and shelter for your pets in your absence.

• follow recommended routes and avoid flooded roads and bridges.