When you live in a tropical climate, such as Florida, it can be daunting to prepare for a hurricane or a tropical storm. We know that the Atlantic hurricane season starts on the 1st of June, and lasts through November 30 every year. As stressful as planning for a hurricane can be, here at Coastal Reconstruction Group, we have a few tips to help you take steps to protect your home, family, and business from hurricanes and storms.
1. Get Emergency Supplies Early On
The best thing you can do when it comes to hurricane preparation is to start planning ahead in advance. No one wants to be scrambling around at the last minute when news of a hurricane hits, and there are no emergency supplies left.
It’s important to stock your home or business with emergency items such as:
Non-perishable food supplies for seven days
Plastic cups and paper plates
Clean, drinking water (1 gallon per person)
Flash lights in case the power goes out (it’s advised to not use candles for risk of a fire hazard)
A battery powered radio
Extra batteries
A generator
An emergency medicine supply (at least two weeks supply)
Gather all important documents such as passports, personal identifications, wills, etc.
Clean clothes with sturdy shoes or boots
Covid-19 Items such as disinfection wipes, clean masks, hand sanitizer, soap, etc.
A fire extinguisher (make sure someone knows how to use it)
First aid kit including bandages, scissors, tweezers, antiseptic, thermometer, gloves, and more
Pet care items – food, water, leash, and a carrier if needed
Cash, since ATMs and banks are sometimes not easily accessible after a storm
2. Make an Evacuation Plan If Necessary
Now that you have everything gathered for a hurricane or tropical storm, it’s important to stay vigilant by keeping careful watch for any possibilities of danger. It’s important to listen to your local news station to hear about any hurricane watch or hurricane warning. You can stay up to date by checking out the National Weather Services Hurricane Center.
If there is a hurricane or tropical storm headed your way, it’s important to have a plan. A vital component of hurricane preparedness is communicating with your family, staff, residents, and resident’s family members what will occur should there be a need to evacuate.
If an evacuation plan is part of your hurricane preparedness, it’s imperative to have one in place before an actual storm or hurricane threatens your area.
Here are some important tips when it comes to having an evacuation plan:
Make sure your vehicle is filled up with gas
Leave before an evacuation order is mandated in your area (this will help in beating traffic congestion)
Have a place to go. Select a destination that is close to your home or place of busines
If going to a hotel, make reservations before you leave
If going to a shelter is your only option, make sure to bring your disaster supply kit with you
Take your emergency supply kit with you, phones, chargers, etc.
Unplug your appliances and shut off your gas, water, and electricity to minimize damage while you’re away
If you are not evacuating, and instead decide to stay at home or at your place of business, make sure you have everything you need in a place you can easily access. Do not leave your house or building, even if it looks calm outside. Wait for the official message that a hurricane or tropical storm is over.
3. Home or Business Hurricane Preparation
Lastly, when it comes to hurricane preparedness, make sure you are not neglecting outside of your home or your place of business.
Things to consider to be ready for a storm are:
Cover up your windows and doors by boarding them up with plywood. This can help keep yourself, family, staff, and residents safe from pieces of shattered glass.
Make sure you know where your home’s electrical power supply is. This is essential in order to turn off the power supply should you see flooding or any broken power lines.
Clearing your yard of any debris that could blow around during the storm, causing your home or community damage. Move outside furniture to a safe, secure place.
In conclusion, being ready for natural disasters gives you, your family, and your community an advantage. Work with others to improve your hurricane preparedness in order to increase your connect and build your resilience. Should you need help with a disaster response, do not hesitate to contact Coastal Reconstruction Group. We are here for you.