Hurricanes typically occur in late summer to early fall in our area.  Although most of the eastern seaboard is affected by hurricanes, Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, and Research Triangle Park and surrounding areas can also be hit with severe weather systems that produce high winds, tornadoes, torrential rain and flooding. 

Here are a few home safety tips that might help you to prepare throughout the hurricane season.

Listen to local radio and TV stations for storm watches & warnings. 

  1. stock up on medications & first aid supplies 
  2. stock up on canned food and non-perishable foods
  3. stock up on jugs & bottled drinking water, and fill up bathtubs, sinks, pitchers & pots full of water in case water systems become contaminated  
  4. fill up the gas tank of your car
  5. bring in objects that can damage your home such as trash cans and lawn furniture
  6. keep a phone and flashlight by your bed 
  7. check batteries, keep a radio and any battery operated camping lights handy
  8. make sure you are in a substantial shelter - avoid barns, mobile homes, etc and check with your local officials for area shelter locations 
  9. board-up or tape windows for protection against wind driven debris

Be prepared and get an early start, if told to evacuate by local officials.

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.wral.com/hurricanes/tracker/index.html

http://www.weather.com/