Hurricane Plan

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Please see the “Family Disaster Plan” section for general family planning information. Hurricane-specific planning should include the following:

Know Your Risk from a Hurricane

  • Learn about your community’s risk from hurricanes. Know if you live in an area that could flood during a hurricane. These include low-lying coastal areas as well as inland areas that are prone to flooding during extreme heavy rains. Contact your local emergency management office, local National Weather Service office, or local chapter of the American Red Cross for more information on hurricanes and how to prepare for them.
  • New Bedford residents may contact New Bedford Emergency Management at 991-6386 or the American Red Cross New Bedford Area Office at 996-8286.

If you are at risk from hurricanes

  • If you live in a potential flood area, talk to your insurance agent. Homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding from hurricanes. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Ask about your community’s hurricane preparedness plans. The local emergency management office or local chapter of the American Red Cross should be able to provide you with details of these plans, including locations of hurricane shelters.
  • Develop an evacuation plan. (See “Evacuation” in the “Family Disaster Plan” section.) Everyone in your family should know where to go if they have to leave. Trying to make plans at the last minute can be upsetting and create confusion.
  • Determine where to move your boat in an emergency. Marinas and other storage facilities may fill up quickly. Some locations may have less risk of damage than others. You may be required to secure your boat well in advance of approaching hurricanes.
  • Discuss hurricanes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing hurricanes ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and lets everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.
  • Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit Please see the section “Disaster Supplies Kit” for general supplies kit information. Hurricane-specific supplies should include the following:
  • A week’s supply of food and water (to be kept at home in addition to the recommended three-day supply for your evacuation kit)
  • Disaster Supplies
  • Evacuation Supplies Kit