The moments after a hurricane can be uncertain if not frantic. But there are things you can do to keep you and your family as safe as possible.

• Use a radio or weather radio to get information.
• Use flashlights and avoid candles.
• If you have evacuated, only return when notified that it is safe to do so.
• Avoid floodwaters, especially when driving.
• Watch for downed power lines.
• Report safety hazards to authorities if possible.
• Beware of spoiled and contaminated food and water.

More tips for what to do after a hurricane

Not usually found in Hurricane guides

• Did you know that your National Flood Insurance Program Dwelling policy will pay up to $1,000 for costs you incur to protect your home from flood damage or imminent danger of flood? Read your policy.
• Currently, Pinellas County is recommending that residents who do not live in an evacuation zone shelter in place - or in a host home to help reduce evacuation gridlock on the highways - that is if your home is structurally sound.
• Communication during Evacuation - Charging your cell phone is high on most preparedness lists, but relying solely on your cell phone can prove unreliable simply because of the sheer volume of calls during such an emergency.
• Privacy: We have all seen those gridlocked highways, moving very slowly. Make some provisions for facilities in your vehicle. A generous sheet of plastic sheeting secured to open car doors and roof clamps will afford some privacy. Include a bucket with plastic bags for a liner and twist ties.
• Mosquito-proof tent: Several scenarios on this. If you evacuate and have a hotel reservation, traffic conditions may delay you and you may lose it. You can always use your tent as a bug-free haven while waiting for a hotel room or house repairs to be completed.
• Sandbags: Millions of sandbags are filled and distributed each year with no information on how to use them correctly. They work wonderfully well when used with lightweight plastic sheeting for low-level flooding up to 4 feet.
• Sewer back-up flooding: You can keep the floodwater out, but your tub and toilet will be like fountains of sewage. Install a manually closed knife-type gate valve in drainage system. A back-flow check valve may work but it is not relaible.
• Don't walk through standing flood water is frequently mentioned because of sewer and chemical contamination, but more imminently deadly is the fact that fast rising flood waters will lift manhole covers off. That creates deep holes in the street that you can't see. Falling into one likely will result in drowning.
• Expanding urethane foam? Sometimes it is recommended as a door sealant to keep floodwater out. If you do, this means opening doors with an axe.
• Soffitt Protection could be a very important step in keeping your roof attached in hurricane force winds. Soffitts are usually the first to go in high winds, causing insulation to shift and impede the egress of wind pressure. A simple improvement is to install PVC plastic or wood strips down the center of the soffitt and secure it to each rafter or truss with screws.
• Roofs may be further strengthened by securing with straps or cables attached to anchors in the foundation. This can be done by the homeowner or a contractor at relatively low cost compared to retrofitting.
• Turn around - don't drown. Everyone has heard and seen this repeatedly but people still do it. Don't drive a car through floodwaters. Floodwater and sand can ruin a car's transmission and differential. It can also destroy bearings, brakes, computers, wiring and starters.

Although the first concern should be safety, it is important to be aware of the need to act promptly when filing claims for damages inflicted to your property by a hurricane.

• Have your policy number available.
• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.
• Make a list of damages, photos help.
• Fill out claim forms from insurance company and return them promptly.
• Be sure you understand the claim process, if you are unfamiliar ask for a full explanation.
• Contact your insurance company before an emergency to see if you are prepared if a disaster should occur.