Tenant Safety

Hurricane Instructions

Three steps to keep your household safe before, during, and after a storm — be prepared, make a plan, and ready your home.

Step 01

Be Prepared

Build your kit before a storm is on the way.

Step 02

Make a Plan

Know how your family will reconnect and where you’ll go.

Step 03

Ready Your Home

Reduce damage by securing the property in advance.

Step 01

Be Prepared

Build your kit before a storm is on the way.

Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. They collect heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters, and evaporation from the ocean water increases their power. Hurricanes rotate counter-clockwise around an “eye,” which is the center of the storm.

Hurricanes have winds of at least 74 miles per hour. When they come onto land, their heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars. Storm surge — when rising water moves inland away from the coastline — is very dangerous.

Hurricanes are most common between June and November. Any U.S. coast on the Atlantic or Pacific can get hit, and you can feel the effects more than 100 miles inland. Coastal residents may experience extreme winds and flooding from rain and storm surge, while inland residents are at risk for wind, thunderstorms, and flooding.

Disasters don’t plan ahead. You can. Know what hazards could affect your area and learn what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

The first step in hurricane safety is to be prepared with a hurricane kit and supplies. Do this well in advance of a storm — many supplies will not be available once a storm is approaching.

Build this first

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Store items in airtight plastic bags and keep your entire kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Water — one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation
Food — at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
A whistle to signal for help
Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape to shelter in place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Manual can opener for food
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Tailor to your needs

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your kit based on your individual needs.

Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications (organize and protect prescriptions, OTC drugs, and vitamins)
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler’s checks
Important family documents (insurance policies, identification, bank records) saved electronically or in a waterproof container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children

The supply lists above are from Ready.gov, an official website of the U.S. Government.

Step 02

Make a Plan

Know how your family will reconnect and where you’ll go.

Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a familiar, easy-to-find meeting place, and account for the specific needs in your family. Needs change over time, so update your plan regularly.

Where Will We Meet?

Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.

Who Will We Contact?

Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Choose someone out of town — they may be easier to reach in a disaster.

Text, don’t talk. In an emergency, phone lines may be tied up. Texting is often easier and leaves phone lines open for emergency workers.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Write down your contacts and plans. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe space, and hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.

How Will I Receive Emergency Alerts & Warnings?

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are short emergency alerts authorities can send to any WEA-enabled mobile device in a locally targeted area.

WEAs look like text messages but are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls, or in-progress data sessions.
You are not charged for receiving WEAs, and there is no need to subscribe.
WEAs are sent through FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System.
Children will also receive alerts on their WEA-enabled mobile devices.

What Is My Shelter Plan?

If you are a disaster survivor, you can call (800) 621-3362, visit disasterassistance.gov, or use the FEMA mobile app for assistance.

Sheltering is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, where you work, or another location.

What Is My Evacuation Plan?

Plan how you will leave and where you will go.
Check with local officials about shelter spaces.
Identify several places you could go (a friend’s home, a motel).
Identify a place that will accept pets.
Be familiar with alternate routes.
Visit FEMA’s National Risk Index.
Assemble supplies ready for evacuation (a “go-bag”).

If you have a car:

Keep a full tank of gas — gas stations may be closed.
Have a portable emergency kit in the car.

If you do not have a car:

Plan how you will leave if needed. Decide with family, friends, or your local emergency management office.

Step 03

Ready Your Home

Reduce damage by securing the property in advance.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Clear gutters and downspouts so water can drain away from your house properly.

Trim Trees & Shrubs

Well-maintained trees and shrubs are less likely to become projectiles. Cut branches down to no more than four or five feet.

Secure Outdoor Objects

Secure or bring indoors all outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans. Take a detailed inventory of your valuables with photos or videos.

Install Hurricane Shutters or Board Up Windows

Rent Solutions Property Management does not install hurricane shutters — this is the responsibility of the owner. Ensure anchors are installed by qualified workmen.

If using plywood, use at least 5/8-inch exterior grade and install it prior to hurricane season. Rent Solutions cannot install plywood shutters unless they are already at the property prior to a Hurricane Watch.