Hurricanes are among the most costly of catastrophes. If a hurricane approaches, you will need to prepare you and your family both physically and mentally. Fortunately with hurricanes (unlike, say, earthquakes?), we're given a small window of prep time when we can see what's coming but it isn't here yet. However, you definitely don't want to put off your preparations until the last minute or you are very likely to be caught without adequate preparation.
1. Prepare Yourself
You'll need to have an emergency disaster kit already prepared, if you don't already. If you've waited until the last minute, some of these items may be very difficult to find or you may not be able to find them at all. The best plan is to have your disaster kit already prepared long in advance so you only need to put forth minimal effort to keep it current. Your emergency disaster kit should include important documents, first aid, food and water, clothes, prescriptions, etc. See this page for a thorough and descriptive checklist to guide you. You'll want to keep everything packed for portability - like in backpacks, or a large trash can - in case of evacuation. Make sure your food and water are rotated frequently as well as clothing for changing sizes and seasons.
2. Prepare Your Home
You can't hold back hurricane winds, but you can take steps to minimize the damage. Your home stands a greater chance of resisting damage if it has a sturdy build that follows up-to-date codes for strength in natural disasters. Doors, garages, and windows can be boarded to prevent wind damage, but again, don't wait until the last minute unless you want to stand in long lines at the store for wood. Trees and bushes can be trimmed. Sandbags can be placed around your home to prevent water damage. Of course, even with the best preparations sometimes the damage is extensive. Insurance can be purchased long in advance to help cover costs of damages. Take a look inside and around your home for irreplaceable items and make plans to move them or keep them safe. Anchor what you can. In any case, it would be wise to prepare yourself mentally for the worst outcome but continue to hope for the best. Devastating circumstances can often be made more bearable if we can look around us with a sense of gratitude and count what blessings are still ours. This is always easier said than done in the face of an emergency, but one can start with being grateful to be alive and breathing.
3. Make Your Plan
Do you stay or go? Emergency reports will let you know if you are in a flood zone or storm surge zone. If so, GO! Same if you are in a mobile or very old home. And don't wait until the end (traffic will be BAD). Unplug all appliances, shut off the main water, and electricity to your home. If indicated by emergency officials, shut off your main gas valve. Find a friend or family member you can stay with out of the hurricane's reach, or book a hotel. Plan for your pets as well. If you make the choice to stay in your home, the safest areas will be in the interior, away from large windows. Keep a radio and your disaster kit on hand. Move valuables and documents to your home's highest level. Keep doors and windows shut throughout the hurricane. Turn your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings so food will stay good longer. Prepare a plan for evacuation, just in case. Whether you are staying or going, make sure you have an emergency contact outside the storm's reach who you can notify what your plans are.
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