Stay Weather Aware: Hurricane Watch vs. Hurricane Warning

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

The Atlantic hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. Each hurricane season, homeowners are reminded about safety tips and preparedness planning strategies to help protect their properties and families. Understanding when to complete certain preparedness tasks depends on if a storm has formed and on the specific advisories that can be issued.

What to do before a storm has formed

At the beginning of each hurricane season, the following tasks should be checked off your list to prepare for a hurricane.  

• Build or restock your emergency kit. Make sure there is enough food and water to sustain each household member for up to three days. Your emergency kits should also have items such as flashlights, a radio, and a power bank to recharge cell phones.  
• Review evacuation plan with household
• Discuss a couple of evacuation options, one east and one west of possible affected areas. Be conscious of special needs your family may have like hotels that are pet friendly.
• Sign up for local weather alerts
• Visit local and state government emergency preparedness websites, as well as weather.gov to stay aware of threats and resources.

What to do when a hurricane watch has been issued

A hurricane watch is issued when a tropical cyclone with speeds of 74 mph may pose a threat to the area within the next 48 hours.

• Monitor NOAA, local, and state weather alerts via radio stations, local news stations, and official social media pages.
• Prepare your home and property. Move outdoor furniture inside, trim loose branches, and test your generator.
• Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank and a couple of extra gas cans if you will use a generator.
• Withdraw cash from your emergency savings account in case banks are not open after the storm or if stores can only accept cash.
• Gather important documents such as social security cards, insurance documents, lease or mortgage contracts, prescriptions in case you need to evacuate.

What to do when a hurricane warning has been issued

A hurricane watch is issued when a tropical cyclone has sustained winds of 74 mph or higher and is expected to make landfall within the next 36 hours.

• Evacuate immediately if authorities have instructed your area to do so.
• Stay inside if you have decided to stay.
• Have your emergency kit and alternative lighting sources such as candles or flashlights handy.
• Keep a radio or news station on to listen to updates.

What to do after a hurricane has passed

• Obey local authorities’ directives such as staying off the roads unless you are essential to emergency or cleanup efforts. Emergency personnel must assess current road conditions are safe to travel on first. If you have evacuated, do not return until told to do so. 
• Be mindful while assessing damages around your home. Look out for down power lines and dangerous materials like broken glass.
• Check on nearby neighbors and family to make sure they are okay.

 SERVPRO of Greater Covington and Mandeville specializes in storm damage cleanup and restoration. If your home or business has been damaged by a storm, please contact our office for assistance. Please dial 985-871-5375 to reach us 24/7/365.