As often as area agencies and weather outlets urge coastal residents to prepare ahead of time, many people just don't. Not planning, not knowing and not taking action can be hazardous or even deadly, as so many Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama residents can attest after Hurricane Katrina.
You can't avoid nature's forces if you live along the coast, but you can be ready.
A good place to start is National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Risk Analysis. There you can click on your state's map (currently Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas maps are available). It's an interactive map that you can zoom in to street level. You can add storm surge data, flood zones, evacuation zones and more. While you’re at it, check on the addresses of family members and friends, particularly the elderly.They may not have internet access. Let them know how tropical weather can affect them, too. Based on where your property is and the risk you face, you can better decide when and if you need to evacuate.
NOAA'S COASTAL RISK ANALYSIS How much insurance DO you need? Do a home inventory. Take photographs or, better yet, get video footage of everything you own. Now that you've looked at the Coastal Risk Analysis, are you in a flood zone? Even if chances seem slight that you might flood from storm surge or flooding rain, you need to know that hurricane (wind) policies DO NOT cover water damage that comes from the ground up. Only if water comes in from roof damage or broken windows will they pay. Check your current policy or talk with your agent about exact coverage and coverage amounts. Flood insurance is generally affordable and well worth the price. Floodsmart.gov is the place to go for flood insurance information. Realestatejournal.com has a terrific article on this subject. Click here to read the article. Leaving? Where will you stay?
Maybe you plan to stay with family or friends. If not, you better check ahead for availability. Allstays.com has a good comprehensive list of motels by state and town.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a very good section on disaster preparedness for pets. It includes preparedness for large animals like horses, as well as the small ones. You can view that page at ASPCA.org.
Do you own an RV? Plan to camp? CampUSA.com has a good listing by state of campgrounds, including addresses and phone numbers of those sites.
What route will you take? Here are links to your state's evacuation routes. Many of these links have other useful information for planning:
If you choose to go to a local shelter, some states do have lists available of what shelters will be used. Others may not have a published list. If your state has no published list, check with your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA), or check at redcross.org
Staying at home? You need to really be ready. Power lost, road closures. Prepare for the unexpected. Go to redcross.org for a comprehensive list of supplies you must have on hand.
You need to prepare your property for high winds and sometimes water, whether you evacuate or stay. USAToday has an excellent article on things you need to consider. Click here for that story.
Hurricanewatchdog has found an excellent guide which explains what happens physically to your home during tropical force or hurricane winds. It also explains measures you can take to prevent damage including bracing for roofs, various types of protection for entry doors, garage doors and windows. It was prepared by Escambia County, Florida Department of Public Safety. Click here to view this helpful information.