🌬️ Why These Storms Are So Dangerous
- Storm Surge: Coastal flooding is often deeper and faster than expected
- Winds: Sustained winds of 74+ mph can destroy homes, snap trees, and down power lines
- Tornadoes: Can form inside hurricanes and strike without warning
- Prolonged Power Outages: Expect to be without power for days or even weeks
- Trapped Roads: Flooded or blocked roads delay emergency services and supplies
- Post-Storm Illnesses: Mold, heat exhaustion, and infection are common afterward
📍 Who Is Most at Risk?
- Coastal & low-lying communities
- Mobile or manufactured homes
- Homes built before 2005 hurricane codes
- Seniors, infants, and individuals with medical needs
- Island and peninsula populations with limited evacuation routes
🎒 Must-Have Hurricane / Typhoon Gear
- Evacuation go-bag with 72+ hours of supplies
- Waterproof flashlight, crank radio, solar charger
- 3–7 days of water & non-perishable food
- Generator or power bank (stored safely)
- Battery-operated fans (heat kills post-storm)
- Important documents in a ziplock or waterproof folder
- Extra keys, ID, medical info, prescriptions
- Gasoline or propane (if safe to store)
- Tarps, rope, tools to cover broken windows or roof damage
🚗 Evacuate or Shelter in Place?
🏃♂️ Evacuate If:
- Ordered by local officials
- You’re in a storm surge zone
- You live in a mobile home or near the water
- The storm is Category 3+ and headed directly toward your area
🏠 Shelter In Place If:
- You're outside of surge zones
- Your home is storm-rated and boarded up
- You have at least 7 days of supplies
- Roads are unsafe or fuel is unavailable
⏳How long may you be displaced?
Evacuations may last 3 days to 3 weeks depending on damage.
Even areas outside the storm path can lose power, water, and communications.
👨👩👧👦 Family & Community Safety Tips
- Assign roles: who grabs bags, who checks neighbors, who handles pets
- Keep gas tanks ¾ full during hurricane season
- Text, don’t call—cell towers may be overloaded
- Pre-load offline maps and emergency contact cards
- After the storm, avoid floodwaters, exposed wires, and damaged structures
✅ Trusted Hurricane Resources
