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Home Preparation and evacuation checklist
- Secure boats, patio furniture, planters, and other objects that could become airborne in high winds
- Cover windows, sliding doors and glass doors with exterior plywood
- Turn off your home's circuit breaker
- Vehicles - Check gas, oil, water and maintenance
- Determine evacuation route
- Confirm destination
- Pack supplies
- Lock windows and doors
- Take care of pets
Supply checklist
- Food - Canned goods and non-perishables that do not need cooking
- Drinking water in unbreakable containers (1 gallon per person per day)
- Prescription medication, specific medical information
- Cash, identification, valuable papers, insurance information, photos in waterproof containers
- Personal hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, towel
- Baby needs - formula, diapers, etc.
- Personal aids - glasses, hearing aids, etc.
- Clothing
- Fix-a-flat product for tires
These are just a few of many items you'll need to remember depending on your circumstances.
Water
You can add to your supply of fresh water for the days immediately following a hurricane by doing the following:
- Hot water heaters - turn off the power to the unit and then close the water valves. This will give you about 40 extra gallons.
- Bathtubs and washing machines - Filling these with water can give you a supply for cleaning and operating toilets.
- Boil Water Advisories - JEA's water system could also suffer damage during a hurricane that could affect water pressure and quality. Don't drink, brush your teeth, or bathe with tap water until you have been informed that it is safe. If this happens, JEA will issue advisories to the news media that will identify affected locations. We'll also update the advisories as services are restored and the water is once again safe to drink and use.
- How to purify water - Use a liquid household bleach. Add ¼ teaspoon per gallon. Shake it and let it stand for 30 minutes. If you have electricity, and a boil water advisory is in effect, bring the water to a rolling boil for 5 minutes. Strain it through a clean cloth to remove sediment.
Evacuation
If evacuation notices are issued, please take them seriously and make plans to leave. Become familiar with evacuation routes ahead of time. Decide where you will go outside of the area and have an alternate destination as well. Your best options are the homes of friends or relatives, hotels, motels or emergency shelters operated by the American Red Cross or other public agency.
Pets
Remember that emergency shelters will not accept pets. Consult your veterinarian about boarding facilities and pet shelters in your area. Make sure that your pets' immunizations are current and that they have tags and collars. If you are unable to take your pet with you if you evacuate, confine your pet in the most secure area of your home, such as an interior room or hallway. Leave them adequate supplies of food and fresh water to last until you can return home.
During the storm
If you remain at home, remain indoors. Travel is extremely dangerous. Trees will fall, streets will flood, and winds will be high. Stay in windowless rooms or spaces in hour home. Avoid using appliances even if you still have electricity. Listen to local news sources for regular updates on a battery-powered radio. Remain inside until emergency operations personnel announce that the area is safe.
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