Hurricanes are dangerous and destructive. Known also as cyclones and typhoons in other parts of the world, hurricanes cause high winds, flooding, heavy rain, and storm surges (high tidal waves). Learn more about hurricanes and other tropical storms so you can be prepared to keep your family safe.
Preparedness and Safety for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters
Even if there’s no risk of a hurricane right now, it is important to be safe and plan ahead. Get tips on how to stock up on supplies and plan for emergencies.
If a hurricane is coming, you may hear an order to evacuate (leave your home). Never ignore an order to evacuate. Even sturdy, well-built houses may not hold up against a hurricane. Staying home to protect your property is not worth risking your health and safety.
You may also hear an order to stay at home. Sometimes, staying at home is safer than leaving.
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
EPAP for Patients - phe.gov
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.
People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
Extra Measures for People with Special Needs
- Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always–perhaps in your purse or wallet.
- Find someone nearby (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) who will agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give him or her a copy of your list. You may also want to provide a spare key to your home, or directions to find a key.
- Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you. Some options are closed captioning or scrolled warnings on TV, radio bulletins, or call-in weather information lines.
Disaster Safety Plans
Download Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
Checklist on Emergency Preparedness
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Danger Rangers
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.