From stocking up on essentials to preparing your evacuation plans, keep reading for everything you must prepare should a hurricane come towards you.
Here are nine ideas to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.1. Make a PLAN
If a storm is coming your way it is recommended to be prepared for it days ahead of time.
Choose whether you want to stay in your home, or if you have to leave. The areas near the coast are susceptible to evacuations that are mandatory which is why you must be prepared to evacuate at any moment.
The fact that you are a resident of the inland does not mean that you won’t be required to evacuate. The evacuation orders are based on historic flood maps as well as the intensity of the hurricane.
If you live in a mobile residence you must leave. Mobile homes can sustain severe damage even during weaker storms.
2. Know your evacuation route
The American Red Cross has evacuation routes in most states, depending on the county you reside in. Links to state websites are provided below:
ALABAMA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
3. Learn the location of SHELTERS
If you’re planning to move and move out, you can locate shelters available in your region by using The FEMA Mobile App.
4. PREPARE items, LISTEN TO NEWS AND PREPARATE to LEAVE
Apps that can help you find hotels, gas stations and traffic routes
Assemble supplies (nonperishable food, water, first-aid kit etc.) which are prepared to go in case of evacuation, for example an “go-bag” you can carry during your evacuation.
Take a listen to a radio powered by batteries and follow evacuation guidelines for your area.
Secure your homeby locking and closing doors and windows. Unplug electrical devices like televisions, radios and other small appliances. Keep refrigerators and freezers unplugged in until there is no risk of flooding. If there’s damage to your property and you’re required to take action turn off the electricity, gas, and water before you leave.
Wear shoes that are sturdy and clothes with some protection like long pants, long sleeves and an top hat.
5. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF are a sheltering in place
If you can get time to prune trees around your property, look for window coverings that meet the requirements as well as gather loose outdoor objects Secure your doors and locate a secure spot for your car.
It is recommended to cover windows with shutters or even plywood.
If you’re planning to take the storm on at home, ensure you have an “safe room” to go into when the storm comes. If you do not have a storm shelter then you must be inside an indoor space of your home (no external walls, if it is possible).
Think about buying an electric generator. If you do, don’t use it in your home.
6. Create a communication plan
Create a family communication strategy for your family. It isn’t easy to stay contact with your family members during a time of extreme weather.
No matter if you’re in your home or are evacuating to evacuate, be sure to let anyone know where you are or where you’re going like an out-of-state relative or friend.
Complete the FEMA’s Family Communication Plan Cards to ensure that everyone has all necessary information.
7. PETS
Keep your furbabies safe! Don’t leave your pet behind to experience an avalanche.
Hotels that will accept pets.
Link to shelters for pets in emergency.
Link to an emergency Route Planner (It will provide you with hotels and shelters that allow pets on the routes you take).
Advice taken from American Humane Society on preparing your pet for storms.
8. PREPARE FINANCIAL, INSURANCE , AND OTHER records
This is a step-by-step procedure for making an insurance claim.
Financial record administrator (FEMA).
How to make an inventory of your house to aid with claims for insurance.
Guide to Hurricane Insurance.
9. PUT ABOUT A SURVIVAL KITCHEN
Emergency kit for families that you must have
Checklist of materials that are provided through FEMA Red Cross Red Cross
Hand-crank radio powered by batteries or battery power, and an NOAA weather radio that has a tone alert, as well as extra batteries to power both.
Games, books, puzzles or any other type of activity for children.
Can opener for food.
Traveler’s checks, cash or change.
Complete outfit change including a long-sleeved t-shirt with long pants, as well as sturdy footwear.
Dust mask to assist in the filtering of airborne contaminants.
A reference book for emergencies, for example the first-aid manual.
Personal hygiene and feminine supplies products.
Fire extinguisher.
First-aid kit.
Flashlights and batteries.
Food is essential. You should have at least three days worth of non-perishable foods. Click/tap here for a listing of foods that don’t require refrigeration.
Chlorine bleach for the household and a dropper for medicine. Mix nine parts water with one part bleach and make an anti-bacterial and disinfectant.
Bank account and identification records and bank account records water-proof, portable container
Important family documents like the insurance policy copies.
Baby formula and diapers.
Local maps.
Matches that are stored in a waterproof container or matches that are waterproof (look for them in places which sell camping equipment).
Mess kits dishes, paper cups, plates dishes, plastic utensils, and paper towels.
Wet towels along with garbage bags, plastic ties for personal hygiene.
Pencil and paper.
Pet food and drinking water to your dog.
Prescription medication and glasses.
Sheeting and Duct tape.
A warm blanket or sleeping bag for every person.
Water — 1 gallon of water per person every day for at least 3 days, to drink and for sanitation.
Whistle to signal help.
Use pliers or wrenches to shut off the utilities.
The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 through November. 30 and peaking in the months of August through October. If you’re in a region that is susceptible to devastating storms it’s essential to take the time to plan.
From stocking up on essentials to preparing your evacuation plans, keep reading for everything you must prepare should a hurricane come towards you.
Here are nine ideas to prepare for the possibility of a hurricane.
1. Make a PLAN
If a storm is coming your way it is recommended to be prepared for it days ahead of time.
Choose whether you want to stay in your home, or if you have to leave. The areas near the coast are susceptible to evacuations that are mandatory which is why you must be prepared to evacuate at any moment.
The fact that you are a resident of the inland does not mean that you won’t be required to evacuate. The evacuation orders are based on historic flood maps as well as the intensity of the hurricane.
If you live in a mobile residence you must leave. Mobile homes can sustain severe damage even during weaker storms.
2. Know your evacuation route
The American Red Cross has evacuation routes in most states, depending on the county you reside in. Links to state websites are provided below:
ALABAMA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
LOUISIANA
MISSISSIPPI
NORTH CAROLINA
SOUTH CAROLINA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
VIRGINIA
3. Learn the location of SHELTERS
If you’re planning to move and move out, you can locate shelters available in your region by using The FEMA Mobile App.
4. PREPARE ITEAMS, LISTEN TO NEWS AND PREPARATE TO LEAVE
Apps that can help you find hotels, gas stations and traffic routes
Assemble supplies (nonperishable food, water, first-aid kit etc.) which are prepared to go in case of evacuation, for example an “go-bag” you can carry during your evacuation.
Take a listen to a radio powered by batteries and follow evacuation guidelines for your area.
Secure your homeby locking and closing doors and windows. Unplug electrical devices like televisions, radios and other small appliances. Keep refrigerators and freezers unplugged in until there is no risk of flooding. If there’s damage to your property and you’re required to take action turn off the electricity, gas, and water before you leave.
Wear shoes that are sturdy and clothes with some protection like long pants, long sleeves and an top hat.
5. WHAT CAN YOU DO IF are a sheltering in place
If you can get time to prune trees around your property, look for window coverings that meet the requirements as well as gather loose outdoor objects Secure your doors and locate a secure spot for your car.
It is recommended to cover windows with shutters or even plywood.
If you’re planning to take the storm on at home, ensure you have an “safe room” to go into when the storm comes. If you do not have a storm shelter then you must be inside an indoor space of your home (no external walls, if it is possible).
Think about buying an electric generator. If you do, don’t use it in your home.
6. Create a communication plan
Create a family communication strategy for your family. It isn’t easy to stay contact with your family members during a time of extreme weather.
No matter if you’re in your home or are evacuating to evacuate, be sure to let anyone know where you are or where you’re going like an out-of-state relative or friend.
Complete the FEMA’s Family Communication Plan Cards to ensure that everyone has all necessary information.
7. PETS
Keep your furbabies safe! Don’t leave your pet behind to experience an avalanche.
Hotels that will accept pets.
Link to shelters for pets in emergency.
Link to an emergency Route Planner (It will provide you with hotels and shelters that allow pets on the routes you take).
Advice taken from American Humane Society on preparing your pet for storms.
8. PREPARE FINANCIAL, INSURANCE , AND OTHER RECORDS
This is a step-by-step procedure for making an insurance claim.
Financial record administrator (FEMA).
How to make an inventory of your house to aid with claims for insurance.
Guide to Hurricane Insurance.
9. PUT ABOUT A SURVIVAL KITCHEN
Emergency kit for families that you must have
Checklist of materials that are provided through FEMA Red Cross Red Cross
Hand-crank radio powered by batteries or battery power, and an NOAA weather radio that has a tone alert, as well as extra batteries to power both.
Games, books, puzzles or any other type of activity for children.
Can opener for food.
Traveler’s checks, cash or change.
Complete outfit change including a long-sleeved t-shirt with long pants, as well as sturdy footwear.
Dust mask to assist in the filtering of airborne contaminants.
A reference book for emergencies, for example the first-aid manual.
Personal hygiene and feminine supplies products.
Fire extinguisher.
First-aid kit.
Flashlights and batteries.
Food is essential. You should have at least three days worth of non-perishable foods. Click/tap here for a listing of foods that don’t require refrigeration.
Chlorine bleach for the household and a dropper for medicine. Mix nine parts water with one part bleach and make an anti-bacterial and disinfectant.
Bank account and identification records and bank account records water-proof, portable container
Important family documents like the insurance policy copies.
Baby formula and diapers.
Local maps.
Matches that are stored in a waterproof container or matches that are waterproof (look for them in places which sell camping equipment).
Mess kits dishes, paper cups, plates dishes, plastic utensils, and paper towels.
Wet towels along with garbage bags, plastic ties for personal hygiene.
Pencil and paper.
Pet food and drinking water to your dog.
Prescription medication and glasses.
Sheeting and Duct tape.
A warm blanket or sleeping bag for every person.
Water — 1 gallon of water per person every day for at least 3 days, to drink and for sanitation.
Whistle to signal help.
Use pliers or wrenches to shut off the utilities.