How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Basic Preparedness Tips:

  • Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
  • Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate
  • If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
  • Make a family emergency communication plan.
  • Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. You can sign up for alert Indian River County by Registering Here.

Preparing your Home:

  • Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Reduce property damage by retrofitting to secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors, including the garage doors.
  • Purchase a portable generator or install a generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators and other alternate power/heat sources outside, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture; and NEVER try to power the house wiring by plugging a generator into a wall outlet.

Basic Emergency Kit Supplies:

  • Water (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
  • Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Indian River County Important Phone Numbers:

Law Enforcement/Fire/Ambulance 911

Emergency Services Public Information Ling
(activated during Disasters)
772-567-2129

Hospital Indian River Medical Center 772-567-4311

Hospital Sebastian River Medical Center 772-589-3186

Indian River County Dept of Emergency Services 772-567-2154

Emergency Management Offices 772-567-8000

American Red Cross 772-562-2549

Indian River County Building Dept. 772-226-1260

FP&L 800-4-OUTAGE

Vero Beach Utilities 772-978-5100

Salvation Army 800-725-2769

Government Access Channel 27 (Cable) 772-226-3852

Nikki Kalin
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