Surviving the Storm: How to Prepare for Hurricane

Hurricanes are powerful and potentially devastating natural disasters that can cause significant damage to communities. With adequate planning and preparation, you can minimize risks and ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your property. This article will discuss essential tips and strategies to guide/help you effectively prepare for a hurricane, including creating an emergency plan, assembling a disaster supply kit, and securing your home. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get weather the storm!

Stay Informed

One of the most important steps in getting ready for a hurricane is to stay informed about the potential storm and its progress. This includes monitoring local news sources, weather channels, and government agencies for updates on the hurricane's path, strength, and expected impacts. Additionally, sign up for emergency alerts specific to your area and heed the advice of local officials about evacuations and safety measures.

When tuning in to weather alerts on TV, radio, or online, bear in mind that there are two types of alerts to be aware of. A hurricane watch signifies that hurricane conditions, which include sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or even higher, are possible within the specified area. These watches are typically announced 48 hrs prior to the expected onset of tropical storm-force winds (39-73 mph). In contrast, a hurricane warning is more drastic, indicating that hurricane-force winds are expected within the designated area. These warnings are issued 36 hrs before tropical storm-force winds are anticipated, giving everyone ample time to prepare for the storm.

Creating a Hurricane Plan

Planning ahead is essential to ensure you and your family are prepared for a hurricane. To help you prepare, you may follow these guidelines:

Emergency Supply Kit:

• Assemble an emergency supply kit with essential items such as non-perishable food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit, prescription medications, important documents, personal hygiene items, clothing, etc.

Emergency Contacts:

• Create a list of emergency contacts on your phone, including family, friends, and local emergency services.
• Share this list with all family members and keep a printed copy in an easily accessible location.

Shelter Locations and Routes:

• Identify local hurricane evacuation shelters and their locations.
• Keep a map of the routes in your kit and familiarize all family members with them.
• Plan multiple evacuation routes to reach the shelters in case some roads are blocked or flooded.

Pet Evacuation Plan:

• Make a secure plan for your pets in case of evacuation, as not all shelters accept pets.
• Identify pet-friendly hotels or shelters along your evacuation routes.
• Prepare a pet emergency kit with food, water, medications, and vaccination records.
• Ensure your pets wear identification tags and have a secure carrier or crate for transport.

Assemble a Hurricane Kit

A well-prepared hurricane kit is essential for staying safe and comfortable during a hurricane. The following list of supplies should be in your kit:

Essential Items

• Water & Food (At least a 3-day supply)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Whistle
• Dust masks
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Wrench or pliers
• Manual can opener
• Local maps

Additional Items

• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet foods and extra water for your pets
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents (e.g., copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records)
• Sleeping bags/warm blankets for each person
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and feminine supplies)
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles, or other activities to pass the time

Prepare for Power Outages

Below are essential steps to prepare for a power outage during a hurricane:

1. Fill plastic containers with tap water (leaving an inch of space inside each one) and place them in the refrigerator and freezer. This helps keep food cold during power outages.

2. For a safe shutdown during power outages, make sure you turn off any electronic devices that are not in use.

3. Get a high-quality surge protector for computer equipment and consider an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) for home businesses.

4. Plan for alternate communication methods, such as a standard telephone handset, cellular phone, radio, or pager, if your primary phone requires electricity.

5. Ensure that your cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices are fully charged before the storm arrives. Consider investing in a portable power backup like ourAnker 757 Power Station for ease and convenience during such challenging times. This long-lasting portable power station features our InfiniPower™ technology, LiFePO4 batteries, and ultra-durable components. With a 10-year lifespan, it offers a 5-year full-device warranty and fast recharging with HyperFlash technology.

The Anker 757 Power Station has 13 ports, including 6 AC, 4 USB-A, 2 USB-C, and a car outlet, along with a 100W fast-charging USB-C port. Its 1229Wh capacity and 1500W output make it suitable for powering devices and appliances during trips.

Getting Your Home and Car Ready

Preparing for a hurricane requires getting both your home and car ready.

As for your home, it is essential to:

• Keep shrubbery well-trimmed.
• Trim weak branches and trees that could fall on your house.
• Replace gravel or rock landscaping materials with lighter, fire-resistant materials.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other unsecured items to stop them from becoming projectiles during strong winds.
• Ensure to fill all clean containers with drinking water. This is crucial in the case that the storm disrupts your water supply.
• To protect your windows, use storm shutters staple pieces of plywood to the exterior window frames. This can help protect you from shards of broken glass.

For your car, make sure to:

• Keep the gas tank full in case of evacuation.
• Store an emergency kit in your vehicle containing essentials such as food, water, first aid supplies, and more.
• Regularly check your car's tire pressure, oil, and other fluids to ensure it is in good working condition.
• Also, keep up-to-date with the latest weather news and adhere to any guidelines provided by local authorities.

Prepare to Stay or Leave

In an approaching hurricane, authorities may issue an evacuation order. It is crucial to never disregard this directive, as even well-constructed homes may not withstand the force of a hurricane. The potential damage to your property is not worth jeopardizing your safety and well-being. Alternatively, you may receive an order to remain at home, particularly if road conditions are hazardous and leaving your home would pose a greater risk.

If Evacuation is Necessary:

1. Unplug all appliances, and shut off gas, electricity, and water supplies.
2. Gather your emergency supply kit, and take only essential items, such as a cell phone, chargers, medications, identification cards, and some cash.
3. Follow the recommended evacuation routes provided by emergency personnel, even if traffic is heavy. Never attempt to drive through flooded areas, as vehicles can easily be swept away.

If Staying at Home:

1. Remain indoors, even if the weather appears calm.
2. Ensure your emergency supply kit is easily accessible.
3. Stay informed by monitoring the radio or television for updates on the hurricane's status.
4. Keep a safe distance from windows to avoid injury from shattered glass or airborne debris during the storm.
5. Be prepared to leave your home if emergency authorities issue an evacuation order or if your house is severely damaged.

Conclusion

To conclude, preparing for a hurricane is a multi-step process involving staying informed, creating a hurricane plan, assembling a well-stocked emergency kit, preparing for power outages, and ensuring your home and car are ready for the storm. Following these guidelines can highly increase your chances of staying safe during a hurricane. Bear in mind that it's always better to be prepared than to face the wrath of the storm unprepared. So, don't wait for the storm clouds to gather - start preparing today and don't forget to share these life-saving tips with your loved ones!