Hurricane Season in 2019: How to Prepare for the Next Big Storm
Scientists say this hurricane season has a 70% chance of being near-normal or below-normal in hurricane activity. That's good news for those who live in hurricane prone areas, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't stay prepared.
If you've never prepared for a hurricane or major storm, whatever you do, don't panic. With the right plan in place, you can keep you and your loved ones safe. Preparation is most effective when it's done well in advance.
Follow this guide for the new hurricane season in 2019 and beyond.
Hurricane Prep
Like clockwork, hurricane season begins and people forget to prepare. Supplies get harder to come by as the likelihood of a hurricane arrival increases, as do the prices. Although there are actions being taken against price gauging, it's best to get your emergency supplies now. The more prepared you are, the better your decision-making becomes when a hurricane hits. Start with a plan of action for your household.
Survival Kits
Make sure you set aside a waterproof bag/container for your important documents. Get copies of all your documents and seal the originals. If you lose everything, the least you can do is keep proof of all your assets and legal ownership. Place these items in a grab and go bag such as a backpack so that they are in one place if you must evacuate quickly. In the case of natural disasters, always prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Rations and Supplies
This list isn't comprehensive, as storage capabilities will vary based on the home. The recommended minimum you should have in the event of a hurricane is:
- 1 gallon for each person, per day.
- 7 days worth of food.
- Crank-operated radio.
- First aid kit.
- Extra batteries, power banks, and chargers.
- Disposable plates, utensils, and garbage bags.
- Prescriptions and OTC medications.
- Full tanks of gas (and a spare container full).
A lot of survivalists will also know the power of the Bug-out Bag. This is a backpack filled with everything you need to survive in the wilderness. It's worth considering packing or purchasing if you do not live in the city.
Fortification and Evacuation
Your goal is to survive a hurricane, not play chicken with Mother Nature. That means that you do everything you can to protect your property, but evacuation takes priority. No matter how fortified you think your home is, it probably isn't going to outlast a designated storm shelter.
Shutter your windows, brace your doors, remove all furniture or objects outside that aren't bolted to the ground. Trim all of your trees that touch or almost touch any nearby roofs. Please, look out for your neighbor, too.
When the hurricane warnings are in effect, always evacuate your home if you have the means to. When it's either too late or you have no access to transportation, then proceed to treat every storm like it has the potential to spawn tornadoes.
Stay hunkered down inside, away from windows or glass doors. If you expect flooding to reach your home, disconnect everything from the breaker. Unplug all devices to avoid damage when it comes back on.
Shelters
If you do evacuate, try to keep in communication with loved ones. This way they're not panicking when cell service is lost. You can also download apps that allow you communicate when there is no internet. Try to coordinate your evacuation shelter with someone you know.
During storms, there is a small risk of danger, as people get desperate. Shelters hold a lot of people, making it difficult for coordinators and police to watch everyone. When you leave for the shelter, bring all your important documents, prescriptions, and any small sentimental items.
If you can, try to bring a caretaker with any disabled or elderly loved ones. Shelters are often lacking trained medical professionals more than anything else. Pay attention to shelter rules to make sure they allow pets if you have one.
The sad reality is that pets are often unwelcomed due to increased risk of danger to others. Some shelters provide limited areas for those with pets. Make sure to bring all items that your pet will need while at the shelter. Otherwise, contact your local animal shelters for help. To learn more about how to prepare your pets for a hurricane, check out this article.
Returning Home
Understand that after the storm, you may have to wait some time before allowed to return home. That is why it is important to bring as many supplies with you as you can. Take extra clothes, blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows, but also bring plastic covers.
Don't forget about entertainment, too. A simple pack of playing cards or a puzzle can go a long way when you're trapped inside for hours or days. Without knowing what's going on in your neighborhood, you won't know when it is safe to return. This is why a battery operated weather radio should be apart of your supplies.
You have to follow the orders of the emergency crews. It is for your own safety as well as theirs. With the right amount of preparation, even the worst-case scenario can be overcome.
Ready for the Hurricane Season in 2019
This guide is only an outline of what you can do to prepare for the hurricane season in 2019. Make sure to keep hard copies of important numbers, papers, and maps. We depend heavily on our electronics, which are rendered useless if there is no power or cell service. This is why you should consider investing in a portable power bank.
Electronics can also become damaged or lost. It's a good idea to set aside some time to collect all your important documents. Anything that requires legal documents, make sure you get them done now to protect yourself.
Contact My Legal Edge today for the legal forms you need to protect yourself and your family . Don't take any risks when it comes to the power of Mother Nature.
