Before The Storm 

• Create a Hurricane Preparedness Kit and 'go bag'
  • You can use this list to help create a backpack or tub that you can use each year
  • If you start collecting these supplies early, a few things at a time, then it will be less expensive overall
  • You should have enough supplies on hand to for each person in your family to be able to survive on their own for at least three days (enough food, enough water, etc)
  • Keep in mind any special needs your family may have when planning: infants/small children, medical needs, or a pet for example. They will need their own items as well (activity bag, pet food, medications...)
  • The 'go bag' will include changes of clothes for you and your family, hygiene items (toothbrush/paste, deodorant, sanitary supplies...), and any small items that you may want to bring with you (such as a treasured photo, phone charger/cord, etc)
• Know and plan before the storm comes! Do you stay or evacuate?  FEMA flyer has more info. Click HERE
  • If you are told to evacuate, do so IMMEDIATELY. This is why it's especially important to be prepared with your supplies
• Make sure that you have all of your important documents (birth certificates, social security cards, medical records, etc) in waterproof containers (ziplock bags work great for this) and in one place in case you need them or need to evacuate
  • Here are some good suggestions for documents to keep together and how to protect them
  • Take phone pictures or scan important documents in case they get damaged
• Create a plan
  • Where will you go if you need to evacuate?
  • What (few) personal items do you want to have ready for your 'go bag' if told to evacuate?

Once There is a Storm

1. Be informed. EVEN IF THE STORM IS NOT EXPECTED TO COME CLOSE! This is extremely important because storms can change direction in a matter of hours
   • Listen to local news and get real time storm updates from www.nhc.noaa.gov
   • This site will be updated to tell you what to expect from COH as far as building preparations
2. Check that your emergency kit and 'go bag' is ready
   • If the storm changes directions, you may only have hours to react.
3. Plan ahead! Decide if you will stay or evacuate.
   1. Staying?
      • Stay inside until the storm passes. There may be periods of time when the storm seems to quiet, but that is just the different sections of the storm going by. Don't go outside until you've been given the 'all clear' on the radio or tv stations that you'll have on to track the storm's progress
      • DO NOT PUT TAPE ON YOUR WINDOWS. It doesn't work to prevent the glass from shattering/breaking and will damage the windows in the process.
   2. Evacuating?
      • Leave early to avoid traffic
      • Pack an evacuation bag early
      • Know your emergency shelter options
        • Brevard Emergency Management will open shelters when needed.  Click Here for current shelter information.
4. Act on your plan!
   • At this point, you know where you're going, you have your supplies prepared, and you are ready to either evacuate or shelter in place (stay at home)
   • Talk to your kids so they know what to expect.

Community of Hope will add updates to this website, so if you evacuate you will know what happened to your home.

After The Storm

STAY INSIDE! This is extremely important, because there are several dangerous situations that are common after the hurricane has passed:

• power lines may be on the ground, but still have electricity running to them
• Flood waters are very dangerous, both because you can't be sure how deep they are and because it could have toxins in it
• If the eye of the storm passes over you, there will be a period of calm before the second half of the hurricane hits
• Even if the main part of the storm has passed, there is still the threat of tornadoes or flash flooding

These are just a few of the dangers that lurk outside even after the storm has passed.

Wait until emergency services has given the 'all clear' signal on the radio, or you can check here on the website for updates as we get them.