Hurricane season is here so it is crucial to make sure you and your loved ones are prepared for potential emergencies.
By taking precautionary measures and having a detailed emergency plan you can mitigate risks and minimize the impact of a hurricane. This article will give you some helpful tips for how to prepare your home for a hurricane. We will go over both early preparation and last minute actions to keep you and your family safe during hurricane season.
Create an Emergency Kit
Creating an emergency kit ahead of time will give you the peace of mind that you will have the essentials on hand if you need them. Start assembling an emergency kit well before hurricane season even begins. Items to buy for hurricane season include things like non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlight, first aid kid, medications, important documents, battery powered radio and cash. Put your emergency kit in a place that is easily accessible and make sure everyone in the house knows where to find it.
Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Making sure your family is prepared by knowing what to do and where to go in the case of an emergency is essential. Establish a family plan that outlines evacuation routes, designated meeting points and contact information for local agencies, family members and emergency services. Assign roles and responsibilities to each family member and ensure everyone understands the plan. It is a good idea to practice evacuation drills and make adjustments so it becomes muscle memory in an emergency situation.
House Prep for Hurricanes
Take a walk around your home and inspect it for weak spots. You’ll want to look for vulnerable areas such as long tree branches, loose outdoor items, or cracked windows. Install hurricane shutters or board up your windows if there is potential for a hurricane in the near future. Make sure your gutters are clear of any debris to prevent water accumulation. One overlooked way to secure your property is by reviewing your insurance policy to make sure it provides coverage for hurricane-related damages.
Stay Informed
Stay updated on weather conditions and advisories by scanning local news, radio and official meteorological sources. Sign up for local emergency alerts that some governments and weather agencies provide. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and designated shelters in your area. Keep a portable, battery powered radio handy in case there are sudden power outages. Also make sure to keep your phone fully charged with portable battery banks on hand.
Last-Minute Preparations
If you are in an area that is in imminent danger of a hurricane, there are some last-minute preparations you can take to safeguard your home and family. Start by securing loose outdoor items like furniture or decorations. Store important records or documents in waterproof containers or safes. Fill up your bathtub and containers with water for hygiene purposes. Gather your emergency supplies with essentials like food, water, medications and documents. Also, have a packed bag ready incase you need to evacuate immediately.
Safety is the top priority when preparing for a hurricane. By creating an emergency kit, having a detailed emergency plan, staying informed of changing weather conditions and knowing what to do in last-minute situations, you can navigate the challenges of hurricane season with greater peace of mind.
