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I'm Stacy Stewart, senior hurricane specialist at NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Surviving a hurricane all comes to down to planning well before the storm arrives.
Have a hurricane plan in place. Know the types of hazards that could affect your family,
and know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Find out if you
are in an evacuation zone, and have an escape route planned. Assemble a disaster supply
kit, and have enough water, non-perishable food, and medication to last at least a week.
When a watch is issued, the onset of tropical-storm-force winds is possible within 48 hours.
During a watch, check your disaster supply kit to make sure nothing is missing. Activate
your hurricane plan. If you have a boat, you might need the extra time to secure it.
A warning means that tropical-storm-force winds are expected to begin within 36 hours.
Be ready to use your disaster supply kit, and take it with you if you're told to evacuate.
Close up storm shutters and remain in a safe place throughout the storm.
When the storm is over, don't be a sightseer. If you do venture outdoors, watch out for
flooded roads and downed powerlines. Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
Be prepared this hurricane season.
For more information, visit our website at hurricanes.gov