The first week of May marks Hurricane Preparedness Week, a crucial time for communities to prepare before the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st - and while Hurricane Preparedness Week may be over, the entire month of May is a perfect time for neighborhoods to connect and prepare together. For more information about how to stay informed during any kind of crisis, visit our resource page.

Understanding Your Hurricane Risk

Hurricanes aren't just a coastal concern. These powerful storms can cause major damage through storm surge, wind damage, rip currents, and flooding, with impacts felt hundreds of miles inland. According to the National Weather Service, the first step in preparing is determining your specific risk from water and wind hazards in your location.

Create a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

Make plans now to determine your best protection from high winds and flooding. Have both an evacuation plan and a shelter plan ready before a storm approaches. Share your emergency plans with neighbors, especially those who might need extra assistance during evacuations.

Build Your Hurricane Supply Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least one month. Essential items include:

• Storing at least one gallon of water per person for at least seven days for drinking and sanitation.
• Purchasing non-perishable foods for each person to last at least seven days.
• Refilling medications and keeping copies of prescriptions.
• Making sure you have food, water, and medications for pets.
• Having games and toys children enjoy readily available in your supplies.
• Proactively filling your tub with water in case the water supply is interrupted so you can boil it for drinking or use it to flush the toilet.
• Withdrawing cash from ATMs as they will not work during power outages.
• Filling your vehicle with gas and charging your devices.

Remember that after a hurricane, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks.

Strengthen Your Home Against Storms

Take preventative measures to protect your property:

• Clean gutters and storm drains
• Trim trees and shrubs away from structures
• Consider installing hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows
• Secure outdoor furniture and potential projectiles
• Review your insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage

Connect Through Nextdoor During Emergencies

Nextdoor becomes a vital communication tool during disasters. Here's how to utilize it effectively:

1. Go to the Public Agency newsfeed to find trusted information from public agencies.
2. If evacuation orders are given, some of your neighbors may also need a ride; knock on their doors and post to Nextdoor with your offer.
3. You may return home before others, and you can offer to check on your neighbors' homes and take pictures of the damage so they can start the claim process.
4. Repost messages you find helpful to increase visibility.
5. For the best experience, use the Nextdoor app or install it if it is not on your phone.
6. Invite your neighbors to join Nextdoor to create more resilient neighborhoods in times of crisis.

Know Your Alerts and Evacuation Routes

Have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Download the FEMA app for real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, sign up for community alerts, and be familiar with the Emergency Alert System. Practice your evacuation route with your family and identify where you'll shelter if evacuation is necessary.

• If you live in low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storms, you must know in which evacuation zone you live should an evacuation order be issued.
• Identify several ways to evacuate your neighborhood and town/city.
• Post to Nextdoor and/or knock on doors to ask for help or identify nearby neighbors who may need help evacuating in an emergency and make an agreement with them to help or be helped. Be sure to exchange mobile phone numbers.

After the Storm: Supporting Recovery Together

Don't return home until local officials declare it's safe. Even after returning, be cautious during cleanup by wearing protective clothing and working with others. Heart attacks are a leading cause of death after hurricanes due to overexertion, so pace yourself during recovery efforts.

Help Your Neighbors Prepare

As Hurricane Preparedness Month continues, reach out to neighbors who may need assistance with their emergency planning, especially:

• Seniors living alone
• Families with young children
• People with disabilities or medical needs
• New residents unfamiliar with hurricane procedures

Remember, as one Jasper County emergency management official noted, "It only takes one" hurricane to devastate a community. By using Nextdoor to coordinate preparation efforts now, we build stronger, more resilient neighborhoods that can weather any storm together.

For more information, visit Ready.gov/hurricanes or RedCross.org/hurricane