Custom Coastal Emergency Preparedness and Response Checklist
Your Custom Checklist
Get under the 10th floor of your building.
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Back up all your personal documents digitally
Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
Decide where your household/flatmates will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one right outside your home and another outside your neighborhood, such as a library, community center, or place of worship.
Leave natural gas on, unless local officials advise otherwise. If you turn gas off, a licensed professional is required to turn it back on, and it may take weeks for a professional to respond.
Turn off the main water valve.
Turn off electricity at the main fuse or breaker.
Turn off your propane tank.
Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
