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Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible in a stated area. Experts announce hurricane watches 48 hours before they expect tropical storm-force winds to start. A hurricane warning is more serious and means that hurricane-force winds are expected in a stated area. Experts issue these warnings 36 hours before tropical storm-force winds are expected in the area to give people enough time to prepare for the storm.

Make a Plan

  • Write down emergency phone numbers, keep them around the house, and program them into your cell phone.

  • Prepare an emergency supply kit.

  • Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home.

  • For more information, look at our Emergency Preparedness Plan ("EPP").

Gather Emergency Supplies

  • Food and water supply.

  • Medicine supply.

  • Emergency power sources: such as flashlights (don't forget extra batteries!).

  • Safety and personal items.

  • Important documents (including medical documents, wills, passports, and personal identification).

  • Fire extinguisher. Make sure your family knows where to find it and how to use it! Read the National Fire Protection Associations' tips for using fire extinguishers. 

Get Your Home Ready

  • Locate your emergency water shut-off valve and remove any shrubbery or obstructions. Test the water shut-off valve to be sure it is operational. If it is not operational, have it repaired or replaced immediately.

  • Clear your yard of anything that could blow around during the storm and damage your home: such as bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.

  • Cover up windows and doors. Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.

  • If you are leaving your home prior to a storm, turn off the emergency shut-off valve. By turning off the shut-off valve, it will mitigate damage to your home’s interior should a pipe burst inside your home. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on turning off your hot water heater and unplugging it. Some hot water heaters may be damaged if the water supply is turned off for an extended period of time.

  • Fill clean water containers for drinking water. You will want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.

  • Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning.

Making Your Drinking Water Safe

During a storm event, trees can uproot water pipes allowing the underground pipes to be exposed to contaminated groundwater or create a drop in pressure. Once the storm passes, treat your water supply as if it is unsafe to drink until you are notified otherwise. Boil water notices will be issued through your local Health Department and will be announced by the District, if necessary.

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Make sure to boil drinking water for at least 10 minutes. If you do not have power and cannot boil water, add eight (8) drops of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Let the water sit uncapped for at least ten (10) minutes before drinking. When dishwashing, add fifteen (15) drops of unscented chlorine bleach per gallon of water.

After the Hurricane

  • Due to power outages, water treatment plants will be operating under limiting conditions. Water pressures may be reduced.

  • Due to power outages, lift stations that are used to convey sewage to wastewater treatment plants may not work or have only limited operations.

  • Remember, just because power has been restored to your home does not mean that power has been restored to all lift stations and water and wastewater treatment plants within your neighborhood, so water conservation is a must!

  • Here are some ways to conserve water:

    • Limit the amount of toilet flushing.

    • Abstain from running dishwashers and clothes washers.

    • Limit the amount of water used during a shower or the amount to fill the bathtub.

    • Turn off all sprinklers!

    • Abstain from pressure washing, car washing, or any other outdoor use of water that is not necessary.

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