Source 1: Dawn Henthorn, Your Guide to Florida for Visitors, “How to stay safe during and after a hurricane”
Source 2: KITV Honolulu “What to Do Before a Hurricane Threatens”
Source 3: FEMA

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Develop your own emergency plan.
• Take Red Cross First Aid and CPR classes.
• Plan to relocate if you live either in a mobile home or an evacuation zone.
• Know your evacuation zone and route, and the elevation of your home above sea level.
• Plan to obtain supplies necessary to protect your property and for survival. Since windows are not usually blown out but knocked out by flying debris, windows should be boarded, not taped.
• Arrange for safekeeping of your pets or animals. Most shelters will not accept pets.
• Make a complete inventory of your personal property.
• Review your insurance policies. Homeowners insurance will not cover flood damage.
• Know what documents you will need to establish home ownership and make insurance claims.
• Stock non-perishable food items and water for your family to last one week. Once a watch is issued, these items disappear quickly from store shelves.
• Stock Medications and a non-electric can opener.
• Trim or remove trees that can damage your home.
• Clean containers for cleaning water.
• Line the bathtub with plastic sheeting or a clean shower curtain, or caulk the drain with silicone caulking — it holds water for weeks and cleans up easily when dry. Plan on three gallons per person, per day for all uses (including flushing the toilet).
• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.