House Prep Checklist
- Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
- Close Curtains, Shutters, and Blinds: To reduce the chance of flying glass if a window is blown out by high winds or flying debris, close shutters and blinds – both inside and out – along with drapes and curtains.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock
- Trim back branches from trees
- Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
- Remove outside antennas and satellite dishes.
- Identify the cutoff switches and valves for your water, power, and gas; and know how to turn them off in case of an emergency.
- Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
- Head to the gas station and fill your car’s tank just in case you have to evacuate.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.
- Refrigerated or frozen foods should be kept at 40° F or below for proper food storage.
- Use a refrigerator thermometer to check temperature.
- Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours.
- Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40° F for two hours or more.
