Storm Ready: The Basics of Hurricane Preparedness

Each year, about six out of ten tropical storms become a hurricane. When you consider that an average of five hurricanes a year reach the coastline and storms average about 300 miles wide, there’s the potential for a massive amount of damage. 

You can’t prevent a hurricane, but you can prepare for one. Hurricane safety is about knowing what to expect and being ready when one hits. 

Follow these hurricane preparedness tips to be ready when a hurricane threatens to come your way. 

Food and Water

The first thing on your hurricane preparedness checklist should be food and water. You should have enough supplies for three days for each person in your household. This includes at least one gallon of water per person per day. 

Your food supplies should be non-perishable so that you don’t have to rely on refrigeration. It’s also helpful to have a Sterno for heating food.

First Aid and Non-prescription Drugs

Have a complete first aid kit that is outfitted with supplies that are up to date. Have a supply of basic over-the-counter medications. If anyone depends on prescription drugs, ensure they have a backup supply. 

Tools and Supplies

After the storm, you are going to need a tool kit. This will help you make immediate repairs, make a safe place for your family, and help you function. Some supplies are for daily life, such as batteries, flashlights, and mess kits. 

Others are hand tools, like pliers, tape, saw, screwdrivers, and a hammer. You should also have plastic sheeting, fire extinguisher, and signal flares. 

You should also have a list of the local shelters that are located along your evacuation route. Finally, have a reserve of cash because you won’t be able to use your credit card when the power goes out. 

Pet Supplies 

Don’t forget about your pets, as they need food and water also. Never leave your pets behind when you evacuate. Before the storm, secure weatherproof identification tags to them in case you become separated. 

Backup Power 

Having backup power is nice when the electricity goes out. You could have a small portable generator that runs one or two tools or appliances at a time. You could also get a full house generator that automatically kicks on when the power goes out. 

Important Documents 

People focus on the basics when they think about hurricane preparation, but knowing where your important documents are is essential. Should a hurricane or associated tornado hit your home, you could lose all of your important documents. After the storm, you’ll need these documents to get your life back together. 

• Insurance policies 
• Birth certificates 
• Passports 
• Social security card 
• Bank account statements 
• Death certificates 
• Inventory of household goods 

Build Your Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Do not wait until a hurricane threatens to make landfall to begin preparing. At this point, it’s too late, and you’ll struggle to find the necessary supplies in your local stores. Hurricane preparedness is about having what you need when the hurricane season starts so that you have a plan and are ready if and when a hurricane comes. 

Check out our other home improvement, repair, and maintenance articles for more helpful advice on keeping your home in top condition.