Prepare for Hurricanes
Know Your Hurricane Risk:
Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Find out how rain, wind, water and even tornadoes could happen far inland from where a hurricane or tropical storm makes landfall. Start preparing now.
​
Make an Emergency Plan:
Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plans. Include the office, kids’ day care, and anywhere else you frequent in your hurricane plans. Ensure your business has a continuity plan to continue operating when disaster strikes.
Know your Evacuation Zone:
You may have to evacuate quickly due to a hurricane if you live in an evacuation zone. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with your household and pets, and identify where you will stay.
-
Follow the instructions from local emergency managers, who work closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies and partners. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.
​​
Recognize Warnings and Alerts:
Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), which require no sign up.
As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increases, volunteer efforts must evolve. Clothing, food and stuffed animal donations can sometimes add to, rather than relieve, stress to a community. Instead of donating goods for disaster relief, experts and officials suggest that monetary donations have the greatest potential to address the specific needs of each person and community impacted.
Those with Disabilities:
Identify if you may need additional help during an emergency if you or anyone else in your household is an individual with a disability.
Review Important Documents:
Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents, such as ID, are up to date. Make copies and keep them in a secure password-protected digital space.
​
Strengthen your Home:
De-clutter drains and gutters, bring in outside furniture, and consider hurricane shutters.
​
Get Tech Ready:
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.
Help your Neighborhood:
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others
​
Gather Supplies:
Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. You may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks after a hurricane.
3 Ways to Make Disaster-Relief Donations Personal and Impactful:
When natural disasters strike, it can be overwhelming to think about how you can make a difference in disaster aid. For many people, there is a natural desire to do something substantial to help communities in need, but even the most ambitious recovery efforts and good intentions can go wrong in delicate environments. Some families, or even entire communities, lose everything after being hit by a devastating hurricane, super storm, flood, wildfire, landslide or tornado; we witness the stark reality of the word “disaster” come to life.
​
As the frequency and intensity of natural disasters increases, volunteer efforts must evolve. Clothing, food and stuffed animal donations can sometimes add to, rather than relieve, stress to a community. Instead of donating goods for disaster relief, experts and officials suggest that monetary donations have the greatest potential to address the specific needs of each person and community impacted.
Monetary donations are flexible and provide culturally beneficial support, and they can be used immediately in response to a crisis. Yet, we tend to view monetary donations as less impactful, less caring and compassionate. That’s not the case!
Here are three ideas to make donations more personal.
Multiply Donated Dollars:
Corporations and organizations have immense potential to make an impact after a natural disaster. Check with your employer and ask if they are able to match funds donated by employees. Many companies have existing donation-matching programs already in place, and others are happy to set up such a program for specific circumstances. You can volunteer to be the campaign chairperson to get your colleagues involved.
Host a Disaster Relief Garage Sale:
​
Do you have items that immediately come to mind for sending to disaster-affected areas? Instead of sending these items, sell them! Gather a few tables and advertise around your neighborhood for a disaster relief garage sale, then donate the proceeds to recovery efforts. Take it to the next level by organizing a community yard sale day, thus increasing the chances of multiplying your impact.
Use a Wish List:
​
Many nonprofit organizations make Amazon wish lists for donors during a natural disaster. This tool allows you to fill in a specific and immediate need for a disaster-affected community. Browse the current wish lists, choose your items to purchase and encourage your neighbors, family and friends to do the same.