With the eye of hurricane season fast approaching, time to check your plan

Published On: 07.21.16 |

By: 5215

HurricaneFeature

Alabama Power crews work to restore power after Hurricane Katrina. (Wynter Byrd/Alabama NewsCenter)

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, but the really hot period for storms fires up with high temperatures in the middle of August.

With that in mind, the time is now to review hurricane preparation.

Before a hurricane strikes, you should:

Map out an evacuation plan should you need to leave the city or state.
Replenish your safety kit to include flashlight, fresh batteries, cash, first-aid supplies, and copies of your critical information.
Make sure you have a way to contact your family.

Alabama Power crews respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Alabama NewsCenter staff)

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Alabama NewsCenter staff)

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (File)

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Alabama NewsCenter staff)

Fairhope in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (Edseel Cardwell/Alabama NewsCenter)

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (Alabama NewsCenter staff)

Fairhope in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (Edseel Cardwell/Alabama NewsCenter)

During a hurricane:

After a hurricane, take care to:

Stay away from downed power lines or hanging power lines. If you see a downed line, call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).
Watch out for sharp or jagged items that could cause you to cut yourself.
Listen to the weather radio.
Avoid walking in flooded areas.
Make sure no further damage can be done to your property.

For more tips about hurricane preparedness and safety, visit the “Weather-Ready Nation” page on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.