5 Things You Need To Do To Prepare For Hurricane Season
With Tropical Storm Beryl forming in the Atlantic, many fear it will upgrade into a hurricane. I am one of them, because I am in no way ready for hurricane season. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, capable of causing widespread devastation in a matter of hours. Proper preparation can significantly mitigate the risks and damages associated with these storms. Here are 5 things you need to do to prepare for hurricane season.
1. Create an Emergency Plan
The cornerstone of hurricane preparedness is a well-organized emergency plan. This plan should include the following components:
- Communication Strategy: Establish how you will communicate with family members if you become separated. Designate a meeting place and an out-of-town contact who can relay information.
- Evacuation Routes: Know your community’s evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go. Make sure all family members are familiar with the plan.
- Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to each family member, such as who will gather emergency supplies, who will secure the home, and who will be responsible for pets.
- Special Needs Considerations: Plan for any special needs of family members, such as medical requirements or mobility issues.
2. Assemble an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit is crucial for ensuring that you have the necessary supplies to survive for at least 72 hours without outside assistance. Your kit should include:
- Water and Non-Perishable Food: At least one gallon of water per person per day and a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- First Aid Supplies: A comprehensive first aid kit including bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any prescription medications.
- Tools and Equipment: Flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, multi-purpose tools, and a manual can opener.
- Personal Items: Important documents (ID, insurance policies), cash, blankets, clothes, and sanitation supplies.
3. Secure Your Home
Protecting your home from the powerful winds and flooding associated with hurricanes is essential. Key steps include:
- Shutter Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood to prevent breakage.
- Reinforce the Roof: Ensure your roof is securely fastened and consider reinforcing it with hurricane straps or clips.
- Clear Outdoor Areas: Remove or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles in high winds.
- Elevate Utilities: If possible, elevate water heaters, furnaces, and electrical panels to avoid flood damage.
4. Stay Informed
Staying informed about the hurricane’s path and potential impact is vital. You can do this by:
- Monitoring Weather Updates: Regularly check trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center, local news, and weather apps for updates.
- Understanding Alerts and Warnings: Familiarize yourself with the different types of alerts (e.g., hurricane watch vs. warning) and what actions each requires.
- Using Social Media and Community Networks: Follow local government and emergency management agencies on social media for real-time information and instructions.
5. Plan for After the Storm
Recovery planning is just as important as preparation. Consider the following:
- Assessing Damage: Once it is safe to do so, inspect your home for damage. Document any damage with photos and notes for insurance purposes.
- Contacting Insurance Providers: Report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
- Safety Precautions: Be aware of potential hazards such as downed power lines, contaminated water, and unstable structures.
- Access to Resources: Know where to find community resources such as shelters, food, and medical assistance if needed.
Preparing for a hurricane requires careful planning and proactive measures. By creating an emergency plan, assembling a well-stocked emergency kit, securing your home, staying informed, and planning for recovery, you can greatly enhance your resilience and safety during and after a hurricane. These steps are not only crucial for protecting your property, but more importantly, for ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.
7 Activities To Keep Kids Occupied During Hurricane Days
Built A Fort
Get all your blankets and pillows together! It’s time to put together a fort with the help of the entire family. You can make them big or small but either way it’s a lot of fun and don’t forget the flash lights.
Arts and Crafts
You could have a crafting contest to see who creates the best animal. Or set and timer and see who can color the fastest while staying in the lines. Either way creating artwork is always fun and passes by the time.
Dance Party
The perfect way to get out some of the extra energy with the kids. It can be tough sitting around the house with nothing to do. But if you still have power or a battery-operated radio a dance party is the best!
Read A Book
Who doesn’t love story time? Pick out everyone favorite book and enjoy a good story out-loud. Or better yet, open a new book and take everyone through a new adventure.
Card and Board Games
You probably have a bunch of games sitting around the house you rarely use. Time to take them out and enjoy some fun playing a fun game!
Yoga And Relaxation Time
Bring out a sleeping bag, bring it into the living room for a fun movie! If you don’t have power, you can always teach the kiddos some yoga moves and see if they can copy you. Even slow stretching can be fun and a good healthy way to waste some time.
Safe Space For Animals
This is specifically for animal lovers. If you have a cat or dog they might be scared during the storm. Let the kids help create a safe nice cozy place for them to cuddle up. Maybe even a good brushing and petting could help calm their nerves.
