It’s not officially over until November 30, 2024, so make sure you continue to stay prepared! Hurricanes can cause widespread destruction and devastation when they occur. However, advanced planning and preparedness can make a big difference in safety and recovery from a natural disaster. Utilize the tips outlined below by FEMA to keep you, and your family safe this hurricane season.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family
- Sign up for your local news/weather alerts and warnings.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full at all times.
- Plan a safe evacuation route. Learn your community’s evacuation plan and identify several posted routes to leave the area. If the danger is significant, state or local government officials may issue an evacuation notice. If you are unable to evacuate find an emergency shelter nearest you.
- In the event that you find yourself unable to reach an HFCU branch, you can locate numerous CO-OP ATMs and Shared Branches available to HFCU members here.
- Create a family emergency communication plan. Landline and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, so you may need to use text messages or social media to keep in touch. Keep important numbers written down in case you cannot access the contact list stored on your phone.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
- At least a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food
- Baby Supplies
- Batteries and mobile phone chargers
- Battery-powered radio
- Cash and credit cards
- Clothing, blankets, and protective gear
- First aid kit, and whistle
- Flashlight and multi-purpose tool
- Important documents (I.D., passport, birth certificates, medical records, property records)
- Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
- Medications for at least one week and copies of prescriptions
- Personal hygiene items
Prepare your Financials
- Check expiration dates on credit and debit cards.
- Manage and maintain access to your emergency funds.
- Ensure you have HFCU’s routing number (313183368) and your personal account number(s) for access by direct deposit and funds transfer.
Protect Your Home
There are steps that as a property owner you can take to make your home or business more flood and high wind resistant. If you are a renter, be sure to speak with your landlord or property manager on steps you can take together to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
- Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring indoors (e.g. gas grills and propane tanks).
- Bring loose, lightweight objects indoors (e.g. patio furniture, garbage cans, and bicycles).
- Keep gutters and drains free of debris.
- Reinforce or strengthen doors, windows, walls, and roofs.
- Review your insurance policies.
- Trim or remove trees that are close enough to fall and damage buildings.
Download Helpful Apps and Information
The following resources and websites can help you further prepare for, respond to, and recover from a hurricane.
CO-OP ATM & Branch Locator: https://co-opcreditunions.org/locator
FEMA Mobile App: https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app
FEMA Hurricane: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
FEMA Protect Your Property from Severe Winds: https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data
FloodSmart Campaign: https://www.floodsmart.gov/
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): https://www.noaa.gov/
Para Obtener Información y Recursos en Español Visite: https://www.ready.gov/es/mantengase-informado