Hurricane Preparedness

When the weather is calm, we need to make an emergency plan for a hurricane

Hurricane Preparedness

When living in areas that are at risk for hurricanes, it is important to look at previous disasters to gain insight into future disaster preparedness and response efforts. Two major hurricane events in recent history include Hurricane Sandy and Katrina.

Be Prepared!

Sign up for local alerts and warnings

Emergency Kits

Build or restock your basic disaster supplies kit, including food and water, a flashlight, batteries, chargers, cash, and first aid supplies. You can also learn how to build or customize an emergency kit that will sustain your household for three to five days without power.

Make a Plan

Make an emergency plan - Have an emergency plan of how your family would communicate, evacuate, and shelter in place that addresses the needs of all of your family members, including seniors, children, individuals with access and functional needs, and pets.

Familiarize yourself with local emergency routes. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to get to higher ground or to evacuate. The Hanover High School building serves as Hanover’s emergency shelter. If the shelter is open during an emergency, alerts, and updates will be posted on the town website and alerts will be sent via CodeRed, social media, and the Reverse 911 service. Stay tuned to local wireless emergency alerts, TV, or local radio (WATD) for weather updates, emergency instructions, or evacuation orders.

Insurance

If you are in a flood plain, you might want to consider buying flood insurance ahead of time.

Additional Preparedness Resources

Massachusetts is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes. Residents, visitors, and businesses are urged to prepare. Visit Mass.gov Hurricanes resource for need-to-know information and tips.

Ready.gov has extensive information regarding hurricane preparedness.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reminds all residents to prepare themselves, their families, and their homes for tropical storms and hurricanes. Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th each year. Download the MEMA Hurricane Preparedness Tips Flyer.

Personal Property

The Homeowner’s Handbook to Prepare for Coastal Hazards is a valuable tool for preparing one’s home for a hurricane.

Evacuation

It is important to know the best way to evacuate based on your location. Mass.gov has a map of Hurricane Evacuation Zones in Massachusetts.