How to Prepare for a Hurricane

This video was created in partnership with:

Major Disasters

Preparing for a Hurricane

In this video, you will learn how to prepare for a hurricane or large storm and what to do if you find yourself such a situation.

Usually a hurricane is announced in advance in weather reports. So the authorities and the public are informed that a dangerous meteorological event is imminent.

If the authorities issue a hurricane warning:

Prepare a disaster kit and a first aid kit.

Put your documents, valuables and clothes in waterproof bags.

Reinforce your doors and windows with wooden panels nailed down if you do not have shutters.

Bring inside any object that may be caught up by the wind and become a dangerous projectile.

Bring pets indoors and safely house them in their pet carriers

Follow safety instructions on the radio or television. Act quickly if evacuation orders are issued by the authorities.

During the hurricane:

Stay inside wherever possible. Unplug all your domestic appliances and switch off the power supply at the mains

Follow safety instructions given on the radio or television.

Limit any journeys.

If you must go out, be sure to inform family and friends about where you are going.

If you are in a car when the hurricane breaks, stop your car far away from trees or electric cables, which could fall on you. Avoid stopping at the bottom of a steep hill or on low ground susceptible to flooding. Stay in your car.

In order to minimise the consequences of a hurricane:

Regularly prune dead branches from trees and cut down any dead trees.

If you live in a house, check your roof regularly to ensure it is solid and waterproof. Repair it if necessary.

Prepare a disaster kit and store it in an easily-accessible place.

Always follow instructions given by local authorities.