It’s hurricane season! Preparedness is key during hurricane season. Here are our top 7 ways to prepare for a hurricane!
7 Ways to Prepare For a Hurricane
Here are the 5 hurricane preparedness tips to help you prepare for coming hurricanes:
1. Prepare and Stock Supplies – Get a Go Bag Ready
Make sure you have enough food, water, first aid supplies, emergency gear (flashlight, battery-operated radio, cash, candles, matches stored in a waterproof container, whistle, extra batteries, etc.), documents and clothing to wait out the storm.
That means three gallons of water per person (a three-day supply for drinking and food preparation/sanitation), a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a fully stocked first aid kit plus any prescription medications, at least one complete change of clothes per person, sturdy shoes and rain gear.
Board games, cards, and books will also be useful to keep you entertained if you’re without power. Keep everything listed above in a waterproof “go bag” that you can easily grab if you’re forced to evacuate.
2. Home Security Items to Prepare for a Hurricane
If you need to leave your home in the event of a hurricane or any emergency when possible secure your home. Use affordable security items such as fake cameras, stickers and anything that may help to deter looters in crisis situations. Stock up on fake cameras, flood lights and warning stickers.
3. Flooding and High Winds
Clean out all outdoor drains. Remove any unsecured objects around the house including furniture, garbage cans, plants, and bicycles. If you have a garage, park your car in it. Reinforce your windows to guard them against high winds.
Also, unplug any appliances before the storms and don’t use corded phones as they can be dangerous if there’s lightning. If you’re at home when the storm strikes, go to an interior room, preferably with no windows.
4. Have a Family Plan
Determine out-of-town contacts for family members to reach out to, and have an emergency meeting place if family members to gather if they are separated. Make sure each family member has a paper copy of this information stored in a waterproof bag in case they’re unable to use their cell phones. It may also be useful to include local emergency contacts on this list.
5. Have an Evacuation Plan
Preparing for a hurricane includes knowing your evacuation route. Make sure you have a list of accommodations such as hotels and motels you may need to reach along the way.
6. Plastic Rolls and Tarps and Storage Containers
In the event of raising water you will need to keep anything valuable off the ground and in a secure area. Keep rolls of plastic and tarps handy.You can use them to cover and keep items dry once they are off the ground.
7. Store important Documents and Records on a Thumb Drive
Use a waterproof container to store important papers and documents for the family, which includes any pet papers. These include passports, social security cards, immunization records, wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, credit card information, bank account numbers, and birth/marriage/death certificates.
In addition to paper copies take pictures and store them on a thumb drive and keep in several accessible places. Keep them with you or store them in a place safe from wind and flood damage.
Concluding How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Preparing for all emergency situations is crucial to keep you and your family safe. Taking the steps now to prepare for a hurricane can help to eliminate some of the stress in the occurrence of an vent!
Pay close attention to the weather forecasts and carefully follow instructions from emergency management officials.