Be Sure You’re Prepared For Hurricane Season

If you live in a hurricane-prone area you know that storms are not fun for anyone to deal with, but being prepared for the roar of mother nature can make a big difference. Just like people plan for potential fires, the birth of their babies, and other major life events, you should plan for hurricanes. Begin first by figuring out whether it’s safer to stay at home or evacuate. Emergency information and alerts are helpful resources.

It’s sometimes very difficult to contact your family during a hurricane, so developing an emergency plan could save you and your family stress and worry. Families with pets also need to remember to include their pets in the household’s emergency plan.

Here are some things you should consider doing to be prepared for hurricane season.

Reaching Family Members

It may be difficult to reach your loved ones during a hurricane, so plan a designated meeting place in advance. Also, it can be helpful to ask someone outside of your family to be a communication contact. The outside source can relay messages to those you’ve lost contact with due to the hurricane.

Protect Your Pets

Be sure your pet has a collar that includes an emergency contact. During the hurricane, keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier so you can keep track of them. The Humane Society for the United States recommends preparing an emergency supply kit for your pets, such as extra food, vaccinations and a photo in case your pet gets lost.

Protect Your Home

If you are a resident in a hurricane-prone area be sure your home is insured. Hurricanes (and other major storms) can cause catastrophic damage to homes. Trees can fall on homes because of  a hurricane’s wind force, and/or a storm’s water surge can carry parts of a home away. Here are a few additional tips to do in advance of storm season that can help you prepared for hurricane season

• Keep a power generator handy in case electrical power is out for a long period of time.
• Collect emergency supplies (such as those listed in the Emergency Supplies section below).
• Be sure trees near your home are trimmed of long branches so their limbs are not hanging over the roof.
• Strengthen your roof, doors, and windows.

Emergency Supplies

It’s very important to gather your emergency supplies before a storm. Live Science provides this list for those living in a hurricane-prone area.

• One gallon of water per person, per day for at least three days

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food

• A can opener for food

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First aid kit

• A whistle to get help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air

• Moist towelettes, garbage cans and plastic ties for sanitation

• Mosquito/bug repellent

• A wrench or pliers for turning off  broken pipes

• Maps

• Cell phone chargers and battery packs