Hurricane Preparations for Off-Campus Housing

Prepare Yourself at Home

Basic Tips

• Know your hurricane risk.
• Make an emergency plan.
• Know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay.
• Put together a disaster supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate.
• Consider buying renter’s and flood insurance.
• If you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads.
• Make a family or roommate emergency communication plan.
• Sign-up for ECU Alerts.

Preparing Your Home

• Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so before hurricane season trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Purchase a portable generator for use during power outages. Remember to keep generators outside and at least 20 feet away from windows and doors.

When a Hurricane is Coming

• Stay informed and up-to-date on weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit.
• Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. Call, text, email, or use social media.
• Review your evacuation plan with family and roommates.
• Keep your car in good working condition, and keep the gas tank full; stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., grills, propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
• Keep your cell phone charged at all times in case you lose power.
• In the event of an evacuation, listen to local officials and stay informed to changing conditions.
• If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know here you are.
• Turn your refrigerator / freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the fridge to be able to check the food temperature when power is restored. Stock up on ice before the storm to keep food cool.
• During high winds, stay away from windows.
• Move vehicles out of low-lying areas and away from trees due to flooding risks and the potential for branches to break or fall on cars. Attempt to minimize potential damage to your property.
• To minimize wind damage, board up windows.
• To prevent flood damage, place sandbags at points of water entry.
• If power is lost, use flashlights. Avoid using candles.

After a Hurricane

• Listen to local officials for updates and instructions.
• Check-in with family and friends by texting or using social media.
• Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
• Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
• TURN AROUND! DON’T DROWN! Avoid walking or driving through flood waters. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down, and fast-moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Avoid flood water as it may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines and may hide dangerous debris or places where the ground is washed away. There is also numerous contaminants in flood water that can affect your health.
• Photograph any damage to your property in order to assist in filing an insurance claim.

For more information visit Ready.gov.