Hurricane Preparedness: Top 9 Tips

Hurricanes are forces of nature that can wreak destruction wherever it goes. They normally form around the equator over warm waters. The term hurricane is mainly used for large storms that form over the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. That’s why hurricane preparedness  is so vital.

These storms are also called tropical cyclones or typhoons. It can cause widespread damage in the areas where they land, similar to a tornado or earthquake in terms of destruction.

Surviving a hurricane depends mainly on your preparations before it hits land. If you have no idea how to prepare for a hurricane, then you’re in luck. We listed the top tips you should consider when preparing for a hurricane.

But, before we discuss the tips, there are a few more things you need to know about a hurricane.

Facts About Hurricanes

Here are some facts about hurricanes you may want to know:

• Hurricane season is normally from June to November.
• They have maximum sustained winds of at least 74 mph.
• The eye of a hurricane is a circular area with relatively fair weather and light winds.
• The eye can be between five and forty miles wide.
• Storm surges are produced when the winds force ocean water towards the shore.
• Storm surges have been the leading causes of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.

How to Prepare for an Earthquake: Tips for Hurricane Preparedness 

Now that you’re familiar with some facts about hurricanes, let’s discuss some tips to help you prepare for a hurricane. Check out the hurricane preparedness list below for everything you need to consider before that next big one strikes:

#1: Be Informed

The first thing you should do is to be informed about an incoming hurricane. This means you should make sure to watch or listen to reports about the coming storm. Get the latest updates from your local radio or television stations or the NOAA radio.

Always remember that knowing is half the battle. To ensure you get the right information and updates, you may want to consider getting an NOAA radio.

Midland NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio

If you have no idea what radio to get, you can consider getting the Midland NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio. It is a public-certified monitor that allows you to receive seven NOAA channels. Moreover, it also features flashing LED warning systems, siren, and a voice alert.

#2: Stock Up On Emergency Supplies

Aside from keeping yourself updated about the upcoming hurricane, you should also stock up on non-perishable emergency supplies. In fact, you should already have a stock of supplies even before the news about a hurricane comes out.

The supplies you have in your inventory should last up to three days. You should stock up on the following items for hurricane preparedness:

• Extra batteries
• Waterproof matches
• Candles or emergency lamps
• Materials for emergency repairs
• Suitable supply of water
• Non-perishable food
• First Aid supplies
• Flashlight
• Prescription drugs
• Basic tools or a multi-tool

It is important to keep this emergency kit nearby. If possible, also prepare another kit you can easily bring with you in case you need to evacuate.

Moreover, you should also fill any plastic bottles you have with drinking water. You can also fill the bathtub with water that you can use for washing or flushing the toilet. Make sure the gas tank of your car is also filled.

If you’re still looking for a suitable emergency supply pack in case you need to evacuate, you can consider the following kits:

Emergency Survival Kit from AOKIWO

The Emergency Survival Kit from AOKIWO is a 47-in-1 survival kit that contains all the accessories you need for nearly all emergency situations. It has a thermal blanket, a multi-tool, fire starter, raincoat, and a first aid kit, among others.

Ready America Emergency Kit for Hurricane Preparedness

The Ready America Emergency Kit has a three-day supply of food and water for two people. The food supply has a shelf life of five years. Aside from the food and water, it also comes with a first aid kit and emergency supplies, such as an emergency blanket and glow sticks.

#3: Evacuate If Necessary

While listening for updates, make sure to take note of any evacuation order from the authorities. Never ignore it. There may be instances where well-built houses cannot withstand the force of a hurricane.

When the evacuation order is made, grab your emergency supply kit and other important items, including your mobile phone, medicine, identification, and cash.

Don’t forget to unplug all appliances in your home. You should also turn off the gas, water, and electricity before you leave. Use the roads recommended by emergency workers since the other routes may already be flooded or blocked.

#4: Make a Family Disaster Plan

Long before the hurricane arrives, you should already have a family disaster plan. The plan ensures all members of the family will stay safe, stay healthy, and be connected with each other. Everyone should know what to do when the hurricane arrives or when you need to evacuate.

When you have a plan, you lessen instances of fear among the member since they already know what to expect. They will also remain calm since they know what to do.

#5: Take an Inventory of Personal Property

Next up on this hurricane preparedness list is to make an inventory of your personal property. This can be done by taking photos or recording a video of the home before any disaster. You can email the photos or video to yourself or a friend. You can also store it in a cloud.

This inventory will ensure your personal possessions are replaced by the insurance policy you bought. It will also make the claims process faster and validate losses for income tax purposes. Moreover, it will also help in your disaster aid application.

The inventory should include all your personal property, including your clothes, furniture, jewelry, appliances, and other equipment.

After taking an inventory, make sure all important documents are in a safe location. You should also make sure you take them with you in case you need to evacuate.

#6: Take Steps to Protect Your Property in your Hurricane Preparedness Plan

Another thing you should do before the hurricane arrives is to take steps to protect your property. This means you should do the following:

• Make sure rain gutters and drains are clear of any obstructions.
• Install check valves to prevent backups in your plumbing.
• Install storm shutters to protect windows.
• Check for any loose sidings in the house.
• Make sure exterior doors are hurricane-proof.
• Sliding glass doors should be made of tempered glass. You can also cover it with plywood since they are vulnerable to damage from flying debris or the winds.
• Cut any weak branches so they won’t fall or fly off and damage the house.

While it may be an extra expense on your part, it’s better to invest in these measures than having to spend a small fortune to fix everything the hurricane has damaged.

#7: Review Your Insurance Policy for Hurricane Preparedness

At this point, you should also review your insurance policy to see its coverage. Since a homeowner’s policy doesn’t normally cover flooding damage, you may want to consider getting flood insurance. This is particularly true if you live near the coast or in a flood-prone area. More details here: Should you buy a house in a flood zone? 

You should also check if the insurance covers additional living expenses in case you need to move to a temporary residence if your home is not livable. If the insurance covers this, you will get a reimbursement for the cost of living in another place.

Moreover, you should also check the coverage limitations if you own jewelry and collectibles. These items may require additional coverage.

#8: Bring Lightweight Objects Inside

You should bring all objects that are light enough to be carried by the wind inside the house. These items include bicycles, patio furniture, and garbage cans. This will prevent these objects from becoming projectiles in high winds.

If an object is not safe to bring inside the house, make sure to anchor it properly. These objects include propane tanks. Make sure they will not move when the hurricane hits.

Aside from bringing in or anchoring objects, you should also trim trees that may be too close to the house. If they’re too close, they may fall and damage the house.

#9: Make a Hurricane Preparedness Plan for your Pets

If you have pets at home, you should also make a plan for them. Make sure to evacuate large animals before the hurricane arrives. Move them to higher ground if possible using a trailer.

For smaller pets, you can make sure they stay indoors with you. You should also have a ready supply of pet food for them. Having a pet emergency kit is also advisable and you can bring it in case you need to evacuate.

The emergency kit for hurricane preparedness should include the following:

• Food and water supply suitable for three days
• Medication and medical records
• Current photo
• Favorite toy or blanket
• Veterinarian’s contact number
• Leash or carriers

Since not all shelters take pets, you should check your local veterinarian and come up with a plan with them. You can also check the disaster response plan of your community to see if it also takes pets into account. You can also ask the local emergency management office if they offer accommodations for pets.

Aside from the first aid kit for you and your family, you can also get a first aid kit for your pet.

RC Pet Products Pet First Aid Kit

Have your Say about Hurricane Preparedness

Do you have any tips or tricks for how to prepare for an earthquake? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest or Twitter. It’ll help other people, like yourself who are doing some research into how to prepare for that next big earthquake.

Last update on 2021-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API