Having a Plan

Stay tuned to 99.5 WJBR!  An evacuation order may come from local officials and/or the governor and will be broadcast by zone number. Leave early to avoid traffic or early flooding.

Organize, evaluate and purchase your emergency supplies for your family.  Make sure you store enough food & water and medical supplies to ride out the storm as well as for 2 weeks after in case of power and/or water loss.

Make certain your emergency equipment is in good working order.  Check all flashlights and purchase additional batteries. Have a First Aid Kit.

Purchase and store materials such as plywood and duct tape as well as your other necessary items to properly secure your home and the safety of your family.

Prepare your Home and make it storm-proof! Begin cutting and trimming your trees and shrubs BEFORE a storm approaches.  Once a hurricane watch or warning has been issued, Trash pickup will be suspended, and your trash can become a dangerous missile in the storm\'s high winds. 

Review your insurance policy and keep a copy handy (in a watertight container) to take along should you have to evacuate. Check out this Family Readiness Kit.

If you must evacuate, plan now for the shelter nearest you.

Plan NOW for how you will take care of your pet(s).  Make sure you have all the supplies and food you will need. Also, make prior arrangements to board your pet with a kennel, friend, or family member in case you have to evacuate to an emergency shelter. For horses, and other large animals and the key is to be prepared and pre-register! 

Prepare in advance to evacuate inland to a low-rise hotel, motel, or the home of a friend or relative outside the storm area. Plan your route, but have an alternate. Notify family and friends of your plans.

You will need to evacuate if you live in a mobile home or high-rise building. Review the Delaware Evacuation Plan (DEP) at the beginning of every hurricane season.

Do not forget to allow extra time for elderly friends or relatives if you wish to help them evacuate. Plan when you will secure their property and pick them up when the evacuation order is issued. Keep a checklist of their prescription medications in your emergency plans so you will know what they need to bring when you evacuate them.

Discuss emergency plans with your agency representative and your physician if you receive home health care or depend on electrical life-support equipment. Make arrangements with a hospital if necessary.

Fill up your car with gas. Acquiring fuel after a hurricane may be difficult.

Make sure you have enough cash to get you through a few days. Accessing your money at the bank may be difficult after a hurricane.

Stay calm; storms can take several hours to pass.  Monitor the storm via battery operated radio with 99.5 WJBR weather reports.