Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - Once You Hear A Hurricane May Be Coming Your Way? (12)

Michael Petruccelli says: Decide whether or not you will evacuate. It's best to get out of town before it becomes mandatory, or even recommended. If you wait until the last minute, an hour will have passed before you get out of your driveway. You can look up your flood zone and evacuation route if you live in Pinellas County by going to - know your zone. 


http://egis.pinellascounty.org/apps/knowyourzone/

Inform your family and friends about your decision. They will rest easier if they know what you plan to do and why.
 

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - Once You Hear A Hurricane May Be Coming Your Way? (11)

Michael Petruccelli says: Stay on top of the news. How often you watch the Weather Channel is up to you, but if you start to feel overwhelmed or panicky, turn it off. You can always turn the news back on when you feel better.

Ask a trusted neighbor to let you know when a hurricane will likely head your way so you can be informed when news watching is absolutely vital. It may be a good idea to evacuate your area beforehand, since traffic will be a problem during a mandatory evacuation order.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - Once You Hear A Hurricane May Be Coming Your Way? (10)

Michael Petruccelli says: Put all of your valuables into clear plastic bags or high off the floor. This should further insure that they stay dry in case of flooding. Place your essential documents and emergency money in plastic bag and put in your emergency kit.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - Once You Hear A Hurricane May Be Coming Your Way? (9)

Michael Petruccelli says:  Be sure you are well supplied with any prescription drugs that you or your family  take on a regular basis. This can be a daunting task as some insurers will not honor refills until the last refill is nearly used up or has run out. If necessary, drugs must be purchased without insurance; weeks may go by without the ability to get refills, putting your health (or even your life) at risk.

Michael Petruccelli asks: What should you do - Once You Hear A Hurricane May Be Coming Your Way? (8)

Michael Petruccelli says: Fill plastic bags with water and place in the freezer. Fill all spaces in your freezer with bags of ice. Freeze water bottles, too. This will insure that if you have frozen food in the freezer it will stay frozen longer should the electric should go off and it will also provide more drinking water.