Hurricanes are the most destructive type of natural disaster. Aside from property damage that can consist of anything from water damage to damage from debris, you can find yourself without electricity, food, and even water for days if you skimp on preparation. When it comes to hurricanes, you want to mitigate as much as possible. The only way to do that is ensure that you have a plan for these storms, so do your research, make a list of storm priorities, and read our tips for hurricane preparation to minimize the damage.
In case of evacuation, have a plan.
In the event that your area is compromised, make sure you have a place to go. Keep in mind that driving anywhere in a hurricane is less than ideal, so your evacuation spot should be somewhere that is easily accessible and close by. In a storm, the last thing you want to be doing is driving miles and miles. With possible tornadoes, floods, and other hazards to worry about, the car is definitely not a good place to be.
Make sure your family is aware of the evacuation plan as well. This way, there won’t be any confusion when it’s time to pack up and leave. It may be a good idea to have yourself and your family subscribe to the local hurricane alerts available. There are many services that will e-mail and/or text their subscribers when a hurricane rolls in, along with preparedness tips. These services and more can help you and your family become better informed when the weather turns bad.
Prepare your home for the storm.
Those who are hurricane-savvy are familiar with metal shutters. For severe storms or for windows that aren’t shatter-proof, metal shutters will keep windows from getting the worst of any bad weather. Remember to bring all loose furniture inside, or remember to bolt it down if your pieces are items that can’t be moved.
In addition to this, be sure to bring any pets inside and have adequate preparations for them to use the bathroom during the storm. For those who are concerned about their pet possibly getting lost if they were to escape during the storm, it might be a good idea to invest in a microchip for your pet.They’re part of the family, after all, and microchips are just one of the many ways to keep them safe.
Don’t panic.
In any severe weather situation, the worst thing you can do is panic. Panicking stresses you, your family, and anyone involved in the situation out. If you follow these tips and prepare for any severe weather situation, there should be no reason to panic. Gather your emergency supplies, shutter up those windows, and follow these tips to have a safe hurricane season.
