The best thing to do for Hurricane Season is get prepared before it arrives.

ONCE A HURRICANE WATCH IS ISSUED: Make sure your car has a full tank of gas, Have enough cash (in small bills) to last a week or more, Double check your Hurricane supplies, Start storing or bringing in your lawn furniture, potted plants, and anything else that could become a projectile, Do a quick inventory of your shutters or door & window protection equipment to be sure that everything is on hand and working, Monitor storm’s progress on local T.V., radio or this website. Add additional water supplies, pick up Gatorade, fruit juice, instant drinks, coffee or tea, plus items like peanut butter, jelly, bread, crackers, cookies, cereals and snacks. Pick up additional baby supplies (if needed). Make sure you have enough special diet needs and prescriptions on hand.

ONCE A HURRICANE WARNING IS ISSUED: Put up storm panels or close up your folding or rolling shutters. Double check outside your house to be sure there are no loose items that could become airborne. Turn refrigerator and freezer to highest setting. Freeze water in plastic jugs and place them in the refrigerator to help keep food cold. Monitor storm’s progress on local TV, radio, or this website. Fill tubs and sinks with water (you may need it later). If you have a garage, store your vehicles inside. If you have a pool, lower the water level by several inches. DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL. When the ground gets saturated with water an empty pool could pop out of the ground. Do not cook indoors on a charcoal or gas grill. Remain indoors at all times during the storm.

SAFFIR SIMPSON SCALE:

Category	Wind MPH	Storm Surge	Damage Type
Depression	23 – 39	1 – 2 feet	Rain
Tropical Storm	40 – 73	1 – 2 feet	Minor
Category 1	74 – 95	3 – 5 feet	Trees/Signs
Category 2	95 – 110	6 – 8 feet	Roofs
Category 3	111 – 130	9 – 12 feet	Structural
Category 4	131 – 155	13 – 18 Feet	Extreme
Category 5	156 +	19 + Feet	Catastrophic