From the Archives: How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Max Mayfield, former director of the National Hurricane Center, once said: “History teaches that a lack of hurricane preparedness and awareness are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.” Since it's National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we've gathered up five stellar resources from our preparedness archives. They'll help you prepare for hurricane season and hopefully reduce the effects of a hurricane on you and your family. Luckily, hurricane season doesn't officially start until June 1st, so you've got plenty of time to study up on hurricane preparedness before the season hits. Even if you don't live in an area affected by hurricanes, this information is great to pass along to friends and loved ones who do. Also, it's always good to be informed about emergencies so you know what to do if you ever encounter one (like on that vacation you hoped would be so relaxing).

Here are five resources to help you prepare:

1. What to do before a hurricane checklist (downloadable print out) 2. What to do during a hurricane checklist (downloadable print out) 3. What to do after a hurricane checklist (downloadable print out) 4. Hurricane Preparedness Insight Article 5. Preparedness Pantry Blog Hurricane Preparedness Five-Part Mini Series

• Advanced Planning and Preparation for a Hurricane (When should you evacuate? What emergency supplies should you have? How will you communicate and stay informed?)
• Prepare Your Home, Pets, and Property for a Hurricane (What types of insurance should you get to protect your home and property? How will you protect your pets?)
• Under a Hurricane Watch (What is a Hurricane Watch? What should I do to prepare for a possible hurricane?)
• Under a Hurricane Warning (What is a Hurricane Warning? What should I do to prepare for the oncoming storm?)
• After the Storm (What should you do after the storm to keep yourself and your family safe?)

We'll be back tomorrow with more tips and tricks for preparing for severe weather. In the meantime . . . we're curious--what's your best tip for hurricane preparedness? Sources Max Mayfield quote http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/