Should I turn off the electrical power to my house before the hurricane arrives?
No. Leave the power on. You may unplug most appliances, but keep your refrigerator and freezer plugged in and set to the coldest setting.

Should I shut the gas off to my house at the main?
Shut gas off to individual appliances inside the home if accessible. Do not turn it off at the outside meter.

Should I leave one window partly open, as with a tornado?
No. It will only allow wind and water into your home to do more damage.

What kind of tape should I buy for my windows?
Tape is practically useless. Put your money into plywood instead. If you want to tape the windows after that, go with inexpensive masking tape. Strapping tape or duct tape won't stop a hurricane.

I live in a development with a great deal of construction. Who is responsible for removing the construction materials before the storm?
The developer is responsible for securing the construction site.

I use a wheelchair. Which shelter should I report to?
The shelter lists show which shelters accommodate special needs. Call now to make arrangements.

I don't have any plans to leave the area. Can I just plan to volunteer at one of the shelters?
Definitely. But you need to take the training now. Call your local Red Cross office to make arrangements.

Will drawdowns prevent local flooding?
That depends on how much rain falls and how fast. Also, secondary canals, not managed by the district, that feed district canals can overflow if they're overwhelmed by rain or clogged by debris.

If flooding occurs, who should I call?
In most cases, it's the responsibility of neighborhood associations, local governments or drainage districts. Try them before calling the water management district.