Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the "Family Disaster Plan" section for general family planning information. Hurricane-specific planning should include the following:

• Learn about your community's risk from hurricanes. Contact your local emergency management office, local National Weather Service office, or local chapter of the American Red Cross for more information on hurricanes and how to prepare for them.
• If your community is at risk from hurricanes, contact the local emergency management office or planning and zoning office to find out if you live in an area that could flood during a hurricane or heavy rains. If you live in a risk area, learn what types of supplies should be stored to protect your home from flood waters. Knowing the elevation of your property in relation to nearby streams and dams will let you know if forecasted flood levels will affect your home.

If You Are at Risk From Hurricanes

• Talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners' policies do not cover flooding from hurricanes. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Ask about your community's hurricane preparedness plan. The local emergency management office or local chapter of the American Red Cross should be able to provide you with details of this plan, including information on the safest evacuation routes, nearby shelters, advice on when schools would be closed and what conditions are necessary for recommended evacuation of certain areas.
• Develop an evacuation plan. (See Evacuation in the Family Disaster Plan section.) Everyone in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion.
• Determine where to move your boat in an emergency. Marinas and other storage facilities may fill up quickly. Some locations may have less risk of damage than others. You may be required to secure your boat well in advance of approaching hurricanes.
• Discuss hurricanes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and lets everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
Please see the section Disaster Supplies Kit for general supplies kit information. Hurricane-specific supplies should include the following:

• A week's supply of food and water (to be kept at home in addition to the recommended three-day supply for your evacuation kit)
• Disaster supplies kit basics
• Evacuation supplies kit