Before

• The key to staying safe is to prepare and to have an emergency plan in place.
• Listen to local news and weather reports for any potential hurricane watches and warnings in your area.
• Find out if you live in an area where hurricanes could happen and sign up for local alerts.
• Know the difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch:
  • A hurricane warning means a hurricane is already occurring or will occur soon in your area. Evacuate if advised to do so.
  • A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Stay alert for more information.

• Trim dead branches and cut down dead trees to reduce the danger of these falling onto your house.
• If you live on the coast or in a low-lying area near the coast, be ready to move inland or to higher ground. High winds can create large waves, which may become storm surges when they reach the shore.
• Be prepared for power outages with sufficient food, water and medications.

• Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
• Stay informed by listening to the latest warnings and advisories. Tune in to the radio or local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and emergency officials on social media. You can also find information on the Canadian Hurricane Centre website.
• Secure everything on your property that can be blown around or torn loose.
• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.

• Turn around - don’t drown! Avoid walking and driving through flooded areas.
• Never go out in a boat during a storm. If you are on the water and you see bad weather approaching, head for shore immediately. Do not go down to the water to watch the storm.
• Evacuate if advised by authorities or community leaders. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
• If the eye of the hurricane passes over, there will be a lull in the wind lasting from two or three minutes to half an hour. Stay in a safe place on the main floor but not in the basement during this time. Remember once the eye has passed over, the winds will return from the opposite direction.

After

• Continue to take precautions and listen to and follow directions from local authorities.
• Tune in to the radio or local news channels, and/or follow your local news outlet and emergency officials on social media.
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
• Be prepared for secondary disasters such as flooding, landslides and building damage.
• If you suspect your home is unsafe, do not enter. Rely on the professionals to clear your home for re-entry, if you are unsure.
• Stay away from damaged areas and fallen power lines. Watch out for debris such as sheet metal, glass or other sharp material.
• Do not use water that may have been contaminated. Throw out food that may have been contaminated, including from refrigerator and freezers.
• Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when cleaning up.

• Examine your walls, doors, staircases, and windows for damage.
• Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims.
• Check with local authorities on how to properly dispose of damaged items from your home.