Preparing for a Hurricane

Hurricanes can come quickly, but hopefully not without some notice from the weather forecasters. It’s always a good idea to have an insurance policy on your home and valuables. Make sure coverage is adequate. Storm panels or shutters would make it easier to cover your windows in a hurry. Taping windows won’t protect the glass from breaking, but if it does break, it will prevent deadly shards of broken glass from flying through the house. You should cover all windows, french doors, sliding glass doors and skylights. The wind can rip off the roof and cause walls to collapse if windows are not covered and doors are not shut. You should have large pieces of plywood handy to do this. Even if the structure remains intact, the wind can scour the interior and wreck everything inside. Teach your family what to do during and after a hurricane. Teach all your family members where and how to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how to call 911, and which radio station to tune into for emergency information. Have disaster supplies on hand including Survival Kits (72 hours, 3 days). Develop an emergency communication plan with your family and in case you are separated from family members after a hurricane, you should have a plan on where to reunite. You should also have a name and number of a family member who lives out of state that can be the communication person. This is the person you or your family members should call to give or get information about your status, (where you are, let them know you are safe and uninjured or if you need help). You will need to have provisions and your hurricane kit stocked. Remember that there may be no electricity or clean water for days. Also, downed trees will keep you from traveling far. Most nearby stores will not be open, and if they are open, prices will be sky high. If you needed to evacuate, each person should be able to grab their kit and go. Some things you can do before the storm hits, are sterilize the bathtub and fill it with water, buy plenty of non-perishable foods because there won’t be any refrigeration. If you have food in your refrigerator and freezer, turn the temperature up as high as possible, and when the power goes out, open the doors as seldom as possible. You’ll need a way to cook, so a portable, non-electric stove, grill or Dutch oven is a good idea.

• Be prepared to cover all windows and glass doors.
• Teach family importance of shutting all the doors.
• Teach family how to turn off gas, electricity and water.
• Develop a family communication plan.