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Hurricane Preparation Before the storm: Know your risk. Consult your local emergency management office for information on preparedness in your area. Identify where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a motel, a shelter Pre-pack a hurricane supplies kit with a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, first-aid kit, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, and other essential items. Recheck your supply of plywood, tools, batteries, tarps and plastic sheeting for roof repairs. Make sure you cut dead trees and limbs that could fall on your home. Check your homeowner's coverage to make sure that you have flood insurance. Take pictures of your property before the storm to help validate your claim and remember to take the policies with you should you have to evacuate. When a hurricane is approaching: Listen to your local radio and TV stations for updated storm information. A hurricane watch means possible danger; if the danger increases, a hurricane warning will be issued. Bring in garbage cans, lawn furniture and other items that could blow away. Fill your car's gas tank and prepare to evacuate if told to do so. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Remember, public shelters don't allow pets in their facilities. During the storm: If you are not advised to evacuate, remain indoors, away from windows. If necessary, seek refuge in an interior, windowless room. Use a mattress to protect you from falling debris. If the calm storm center (eye) passes directly overhead, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from a few minutes to half an hour or more. The winds at the other side of the storm's eye rise very rapidly to hurricane force, coming from the opposite direction. After the storm: Listen to your local radio stations for official disaster relief information and instructions. Be prepared to do without power, telephone or any outside services for a week or more. Watch out for downed power lines, weakened structures, rodents and snakes, and avoid puddles of standing water. Don't drink tap water and eat only foods you are absolutely sure are safe. Be extra careful when handling power tools, gas lanterns, generators, and matches. Avoid using candles as a light source. Deadly fires could result. Virginia Department of Emergency Management Back to the Preparing For Emergencies page.