Before a Hurricane		Stay informed.  Watch or  listen to
		local media for information on hurricane watches and warnings, track storm's location and follow instructions from local emergency management agencies.
		Maintain a family disaster supply
		kit. For a hurricane, you must be prepared to go without utilities for at least 3 days, longer in rural areas. If someone in your family is dependant upon electricity or has other special needs contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office to register for emergency support.
		Insure   against   storm   damage.
		Make sure all your policies are current and cover storm damage.
		Trim  trees.  Remove  any  dead  or
		diseased limbs from your trees, and keep them trimmed to allow high winds to pass through them. Trees with too many branches may be severely damaged or uprooted by hurricane force winds.

	Prepare  for  evacuation.   It is not  likely  that  all  residents  of  Marion  County  will  be
	evacuated during a hurricane, but just in case, families should develop a family evacuation plan. It is likely that residents of mobile homes will be asked to evacuate.
	Brace  for the  storm.  Secure  any  outside  items.   Fill  your car's  gas  tank  and  get
	some emergency cash. Turn your freezer and refrigerator to their coldest setting. Be sure you have extra medical supplies, batteries and at least one phone that does not require electricity (such as a traditional corded phone).
	Plan  for  your  pets.   Most  shelters in  Marion  County will not allow you to  bring your
	pets. However, dogs, cats, and birds in their own cages are welcome at the Vanguard High School shelter. In all cases, shelters should be a place of last resort. It's best to know where you can take your pets in case of an emergency.

 

During a Hurricane
	Stay  inside.   High  winds  will turn
	any debris into missiles, and falling limbs will present a lethal threat.
	Stay     away    from       windows.
	Flying glass can severely injure or even kill you during a storm.
	Don't  go  outside  when  the eye
	passes over. Many people who are not familiar with hurricanes will walk out into the eye of the storm, when the weather calms. Even though the weather is temporarily calm, it could worsen in a moment's notice. Listen to local media and wait until the "all clear" before going outside.

After a Hurricane
	Stay  tuned  to  local  media  for  the   "all clear"
	signal and follow special instructions from local emergency managers.
	Stay away from  downed power  lines and  report
	them to your utility company immediately.
	Keep your circuit  breaker off  until  the power is
	restored.
	Boil tap water before  drinking in case of  possible
	contamination.

 The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale