Ensure flashlights, battery-powered lanterns, and other light sources are readily available.

Make sure flashlights and radio batteries are fresh.

Ensure you have an adequate supply of medicine, first aid supplies, and baby items.

Keep at least a two weeks supply of bottled water, non-perishable food items, batteries, and firewood on hand.

If prescriptions are essential, get them refilled in case of an extended power outage or extensive damage to the area.

Make sure to have identification and documentation, such as your social security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, and insurance information for your home, car, and life.

Have an evacuation plan for you and your family in case of an extended power outage.

Listen to weather forecasts and predictions for possible hurricanes – hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends on November 30.

Make sure to get inside a building and stay away from the windows. Don’t leave candles unattended; keep them away from furniture, draperies, and other flammable materials. Make sure to keep children away from open flames.

Don’t open freezers and refrigerators any more than necessary.

Stay connected with JNEC’s website for real-time power outage updates.

Listen to local radio stations for news about power outages.

Turn off your heating and air conditioning systems and the electric range.

Unplug sensitive electronic appliances such as TVs, computers, microwave ovens, and other electronic equipment – this will protect your appliances against power fluctuations that can occur when power is restored.

After power is restored, wait five to ten minutes before turning on appliances and heating systems.

If power lines and poles are down in your yard or in the street, always treat them as if they are energized and dangerous. Never touch them and stay away. Make sure to call JNEC at 409-423-2241 or 1-800-231-9340.

Debris from the storm can hide power lines that have fallen. Fallen trees that contain energized power lines can energize any item it comes in contact with, such as a metal fence, a pond, or standing water. Even the ground can be energized near fallen power lines.

If your electricity is out, make sure to check with neighbors to see if they have power. If they have power, you may have blown a fuse or tripped a breaker. Never replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker with wet hands or while standing on a wet (or damp) surface.

If you’re without electricity and want to use a portable generator, make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Avoid using candles if possible. If you must, never leave a burning candle unattended.

Replenish your supplies of batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and other necessary items for future hurricanes.