Skip Navigation Links
NOAA logo - Click to go to the NOAA homepage National Weather Service Forecast Office   NWS logo - Click to go to the NWS homepage
National Weather Service Forecast Office, Jacksonville, Florida
 
  
 
  

NWS Jacksonville Home » Weather Safety » Hurricane Safety
LinksImportant Links:  [Printable Safety Tips]  [National Hurricane Center]  [Tracking Chart (pdf)]  [Local Graphics]  [Tropical Page]

 Terms to Know
 
  • TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours.
  • TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours.
  • HURRICANE WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch, prepare to take immediate action to protect your family and property in case a hurricane warning is issued.
  • HURRICANE WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours. Complete all storm preparations and evacuate if directed by local officials.
  • SHORT TERM WATCHES AND WARNINGS: These provide detailed information on specific hurricane threats, such as tornadoes, floods, and high winds.
    		•   

     Before Hurricane Season
      Check box Know the hurricane risks in your area.
    Check box Learn safe routes inland.
    Check box Learn the locations of official shelters.
    Check box Review needs and working condition of emergency equipment, such as flashlights, battery-powered radios, etc.
    Check box Ensure that enough non-perishable food and water supplies are on hand.
    Check box Obtain and store materials, such as plywood, necessary to properly secure your home.
    Check box Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
    Check box Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed.
    Check box Determine where to move your boat in an emergency.
    Check box Review your insurance policy.
         		 
     What to Bring to a shelter
      Check box First-aid kit
    Check box Medicine
    Check box Baby food and diapers
    Check box Cards, games, books, etc.
    Check box Toiletries
    Check box Battery-powered radio (and weather radio)
    Check box Flashlight (one per person)
    Check box Extra batteries
    Check box Blankets or sleeping bags
    Check box Identification
    Check box Valuable papers (insurance, etc.)
    Check box Cash (well secured)
    Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels.         		 

     During the storm
    When in a watch area...
    Check box Frequently listen to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins of the storm's progress.
    Check box Fuel and service family vehicles.
    Check box Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.
    Check box Prepare to cover all window and door openings with shutters or other shielding materials.
    Check box Check batteries and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, and medications.
    Check box Prepare to bring inside lawn furniture and other loose, light-weight objects, such as garbage cans, garden tools, etc.
    Check box Have on hand an extra supply of cash.

    When in a warning area...
    Check box Closely monitor radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins.
    Check box Complete preparation activities, such as putting up storm shutters, storing loose objects, etc.
    Check box Follow instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if told to do so!
    Check box If evacuating, leave early (if possible, in daylight). Stay with friends or relatives, at a low-rise inland hotel/motel, or go to a predesignated public shelter outside a flood zone.
    Check box Leave mobile homes in any case.
    Check box Notify neighbors and a family member outside of the warned area of your evacuation plans.
    Check box Put food and water out for a pet if you cannot take it with you. Public health regulations do not allow pets in public shelters, nor do most hotels/motels allow them.    		 Plan to evacuate if you...
    Check box Live in a mobile home. They are unsafe in high winds, no matter how well-fastened to the ground.
    Check box Live on the coastline, an offshore island, or near a river or a flood plain.
    Check box Live in a high-rise. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.

    If staying in a home...
    Check box Set refrigerator to maximum cold. Open only when necessary.
    Check box Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities.
    Check box Turn off propane tanks.
    Check box Unplug small appliances.
    Check box Fill bathtub & large containers with water for sanitary purposes.
    If you are told to leave, do so immediately!

    If winds become strong...
    Check box Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway.
    Check box Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors.
    Check box If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom or closet.
    Check box If you are in a multi-story building and away from water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.
    Check box Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

    Be alert for...
    Check box Tornadoes which often are spawned by hurricanes.
    Check box The calm "eye" of the storm. After the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.

     After the storm
    Check box Keep listening to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.
    Check box Wait until an area is declared safe before entering.
    Check box Roads may be closed for your protection. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around and go another way!
    Check box Avoid weakened bridges and washed out roads. Do not drive into flooded areas.
    Check box Stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
    Check box Check gas, water, and electrical lines and appliances for damage.
    Check box Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated.
    Check box Avoid using candles and other open flames indoors. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.
    Check box Use the telephone to report life-threatening emergencies only.
    Check box Be especially cautious if using a chainsaw to cut fallen trees.