Hurricanes are dangerous, often deadly, destroy billions of dollars of property wherever they make landfall and can absolutely ruin lives at any given moment. Being prepared to deal with a hurricane striking coastal and inland communities can be the difference between life and death in extreme cases, and even when it is not, every person at risk for facing a hurricane is well-advised to make a hurricane safety emergency plan.
Locating local shelters is a first step. When hurricanes reach a significant strength, or for low-lying areas facing increased risks of flooding or other troubles, local emergency shelters offer a safe and well-provisioned place for individuals and families to weather the storm. Many local emergency shelters are located at schools, hospitals and government buildings which benefit from having their own electricity generators, health care workers, and are well-stocked with food, water, blankets and other necessary items. Families with members with health concerns should check into whether or not local shelters are equipped to provide for their ongoing health and care.
Personal stocks of sufficient food and water are important to add to a hurricane safety emergency plan. With some communities going without clean running water for days or even weeks at a time, having a large quantity of drinking water available can make a great difference when it comes to surviving a hurricane.