Hurricane Preparedness Resources

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area.

Preparing While on a Layover:

• Ask the hotel staff what emergency preparations are in place.

1. What happens in the event of a power outage?

2. Will food and water be available?

3. What is the evacuation and transportation plan?

4. Ask for a map of the area with the hotel and shelter locations marked.

• Coordinate with your crew. Decide upon a meeting point should an evacuation be necessary. In the event of an evacuation, you may need to count on one another for support.

• Review the locations of the exits and stairwells on your floor. Know where your two nearest exits are in relation to your room.

Evacuation Preparedness

Establish, develop and communicate a comprehensive evacuation and shelter plan with your family, loved ones, neighbors and employer; remember to include someone not within the storm’s path as well. Ask yourself: Where will we go? How will we get there? Where will we stay? Be prepared to leave when and if you’re instructed to, as different areas or zones may be utilized for a phased evacuation approach, this helps those efforts go smoothly for all seeking to evacuate and find shelter outside of a storm’s projected path. Follow the routes as directed by local authorities and officials, even if there is traffic. Always have a backup plan should a particular route become inaccessible, means of transportation become unavailable or adjustments to a route or shelter be required. Always take the needs of anyone and anything you’ll be traveling with into consideration:

1. Those who may have a physical impairment or other restrictions due to a limitation or disability.

2. Someone who is elderly, taking medication and/or is dependent upon medical devices.

3. Pets and infants who may need to relieve themselves and/or require special foods.

4. Storage needed to safely house any valuables and supplies brought with you.

Evacuation Precautions While on a Layover

1. Put on sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

2. Take your crew ID, cell phone, to-go kit, and a pillow and blanket with you (many shelters do not provide bedding).

3. Follow all instructions from hotel staff and emergency personnel.

4. Assemble with your crew at your predetermined meeting point. Attempt to locate other crewmembers and stick together.

5. Cell phone service may be intermittent. Notify a family member outside the hurricane area that you’re being evacuated and where you are going.

6. Designate one crew member to call Crew Services and let them know that you’re being evacuated and where you are going.

   • If able, provide the names and employee ID numbers to the crew services team member.

Securing Your Dwelling

1. Strengthen and secure your home; utilize shutters, plywood sandbags and other means to close up points of entry and water intrusion.

2. Take keys with you (remove keys that may be hidden to prevent their loss or possible intrusion); have backup means of re-entry need-be.

3. Store and/or secure all exterior furnishings, vehicles and other items so they do not become airborne projectiles.

4. Trim back trees and remove any loose foliage well before the storm so they can be collected for disposal; clean out drains and gutters.

5. Ensure your smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are functioning properly; replace batteries if necessary.

6. Be prepared to turn off your home’s main power source and/or other utilities in the event of flooding, downed power lines or if you are in an area anticipated to be greatly impacted; this could prevent a potential fire or utility intrusion from happening after you’ve evacuated.

Information & Communication

1. Establish primary, reliable local (and/or national) news and weather resources to obtain accurate and important information from, allowing you to monitor a storm’s progression and impacts; this can be via internet, radio, TV, social media, etc.

2. Weather radios are valuable during storms and are available in battery-powered, hand-crank and even solar-powered combinations.

3. Always have a backup source and plan to retrieve information from should your initial source(s) become unavailable or inaccessible.

When Sheltering-In-Place

1. Maintain shelter with your supply kit in a centrally located room, preferably on the lowest level, without windows and inward-opening doors, even in a closet if necessary.

2. Never climb into an attic to avoid flood water as this could trap you, especially if your dwelling becomes unstable on the lower level(s), always be prepared to move if facing rising waters.

3. If you go through the ‘eye’ of a storm, although the storm may feel finished, do not go outside during this time, as winds could reverse direction at any moment; this is also when many items are most unstable and become airborne easily.

4. Be in the mindset that you may need to evacuate your dwelling should it become unsafe or uninhabitable at any time.

Supply Kits & Contents

“Stay at Home” Supply Kit

1. supplies for at least two (2) weeks

2. Have a generator and an ample supply of gasoline or propane. If using an inverter or battery backup, ensure it is fully charged and ready for use. Always test these items beforehand to ensure they’re functioning properly and safely.

Shared Kit Contents

• Clothing that can be layered, sturdy shoes and a sleeping bag or blanket for each person in the absence of utilities.

• Maintain a 1-month of supply of all medications and first-aid products; store these in a water-proof and child-proof container. Bring spare components and disposable items needed for any medical devices.

• Water supply of 1 gallon, per person, per day; use this for drinking, cooking and sanitization.

• Food to last the timeline according to the kit type you’re preparing; focus on non-perishable foods and have a can opener.

• Flashlight and battery-powered lighting; ensure they’re charged as using candles can be unsafe and produce heat unnecessarily.

• Have a stock of personal hygiene products and toiletries. Infant supplies like diapers and formula; baby wipes come in handy when access to a shower is not available for an extended time.

• Ensure you have cash on hand as some vendors may be unable to process transactions with a card and ATM access may be limited or unavailable.

• Have forms of ID with you and copies of your insurance policies, preferably laminated - home, auto, pet and medical.

• Write down your emergency and work contacts so that way they can be referenced in the absence of your cell phone.

• Take photos of your home (inside and out); before and after securing it, documenting items of value and importance.

• Have a small supply of general tools, these can be used for any prep and clean-up efforts; wrench/pliers (to turn off utilities if necessary), tarps, garbage bags, bungee cords, whistle, gloves, goggles.

• Activities to keep occupied with; books, board games, paper, pencil and other supplies for activities.

Post-Storm Reminders

• Never walk, swim or drive through flood waters, even when shallow. Dangers can be present within any body of water that could very well be unseen, like downed and live power lines, wildlife and other harms like sewage and chemicals.

• When possible, save phone calls strictly for emergencies as telephonic systems may be heavily impacted and operating at a limited capacity in certain areas. Instead, utilize texts and other digital means of contact (at least initially), if possible.

• Document all damages to dwellings and personal property; photograph items and have them available for your insurance company.