With Earl currently projected to skirt north along the East Coast, people living in coastal communities should plan ahead to secure their homes. Doing this will help prevent some forms of damage to the exterior of the home. The NHC has in-depth directions for how to secure wind-sensitive areas of the home, such as the roof, shutters, doors, and garage doors here.
During an emergency evacuation, FEMA advises residents to turn off propane tanks, bring outdoor furniture inside, reinforce windows and shutters, and adjust the refrigerator to its lowest setting so that food will remain cold.
NHC also provides a flood insurance program for home and business owners in high-impact hurricane zones.
