A large-scale disaster or public health emergency like a hurricane and a lengthy power outage can limit your access to supplies and services for several days or weeks. Be prepared with food and safe water, basic supplies, and the personal items you need to protect your health in an emergency.

Evacuate if advised by local authorities to do so. Never ignore an evacuation order. Do not drive around barricades, or through high water. Remember, if you encounter flooded roadways, turn around, don’t drown!

Learn basic how-to preparedness skills such as how to keep food safe and how to safely use a portable generator. Always call 911 first in a life-threatening emergency.

Gather supplies.

• Stock your home and your car with supplies. Gather enough food, water, and medical supplies for at least 72 hours.
• Prepare a 7 to 10-day supply of prescription medications.
• Prepare for a power outage with backup power sources and manual equipment.
• Collect and protect important documents and medical records.

Take care of others.

• Consider children’s unique needs.
• Understand older adult health and medical concerns.
• Ensure your pet’s safety.

After you have read these tips, please review the other resources available on the CDC Hurricanes website. You can also check out CDC’s new reference document that contains key messages on hurricane and flood related health threats.

 CDC strongly recommends that you print all important resources before a hurricane strikes. Power outages during and after a hurricane can prevent you from accessing information online when you most need it. Preparing now can help keep you and your family safe