Resources and Links

Hurricane Season

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. The Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 to November 30.

Red Cross Hurricane Safety Checklist

Are You Ready?

Plan Ahead! You can begin this process by gathering family members and making sure each person is well-informed on potential hazards and community plans. Discuss with them what you would do if family members are not home when a warning is issued.

Plan Ahead

Protect Your Business
View the “How-To” resources to learn how to prepare for various natural disasters.

Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry
A step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for companies of all sizes.

Protect Your Property, Home or Business from Disaster

If you aren’t sure whether your property or business is at risk from disasters caused by natural hazards, check with your local building official, city engineer, or planning and zoning administrator. They can tell you whether you are in an area where hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, or tornadoes are likely to occur. Also, they usually can tell you how to protect yourself, your house, business, and property from the different hazards.

Protect Your Business from All Natural Hazards

Protect Business Records and Inventory
Install a Generator for Emergency Power

Protect Your Property from an Earthquake

Anchor Large Equipment Properly
Anchor Tall Bookcases and File Cabinets
Anchor and Brace Propane Tanks and Gas Cylinders
Bolt Sill Plates to Foundation
Brace Cripple Walls
Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors
Mount Framed Pictures and Mirrors Securely
Restrain Desktop Computers and Appliances
Use Flexible Connections on Gas and Water Lines

Protect Your Property from Fire

Dealing with Vegetation and Combustible Materials
Replace Roofing with Fire-Resistant Materials

Protect Your Property from Flooding

Build With Flood Damage-Resistant Materials
Dry Floodproof Your Building
Add Waterproof Veneer to Exterior Walls
Raise Electrical System Components
Anchor Fuel Tanks
Raise or Floodproof HVAC Equipment
Install Sewer Backflow Valves
Protect Wells From Contamination by Flooding

Caring for Animals

If you are asked to evacuate, you need to bring your pets with you. You need to start thinking today about where you will take your pets — ask a dependable friend or relative who lives some distance from the evacuation area if you and/or your pets can stay with them until the all clear is given. An alternative is to find a pet-friendly motel. You should have a portable pet carrier for each animal and identification with each animal. Bring copies of the pet’s licenses, leashes, water and food bowls, pet foods, bottled water, special medications and instructions for their administration, any special needs for your pet, blankets, handy wipes, paper towels and litter or bedding.

Important Links

Rip Currents

Information on recognizing and escaping rip currents

Websites for Children and FamiliesFBI Kids Page (Federal Bureau of Investigation)

American Red Cross – Resources for Schools
McGruff.Org This website provides puzzles, tips, and stories to help children to learn important safety lessons.
NetSmartz Kids Learn how to be safe and have fun while surfing the World Wide Web. Lots of games, too!
Sparky the Fire Dog Sparky is here to teach you and your family how to stop fires from happening. Learn about the different parts of a fire truck, print a Home Safety Checklist and play fun arcade games.
ToxMystery Join “Toxie the Cat” and search his house for the possible dangers of chemical substances in a home.