How to prepare for Hurricane season
How to prepare for hurricane season
Hurricane season starts June 1st and runs through November 30th.
First and foremost, take whatever precautions are necessary to protect yourself and the people around you. While property preparations are important, they’re not worth risking life or limb. If you need to evacuate, do so, as long as you have time to reach a place of safety. Don’t be caught on the roads in your car or attempt to drive through water-covered streets. You can track storms through the National Hurricane Center. Once the storm reaches your area, stay inside, away from windows and possible flying debris.
With that said, over the summer months Florida sees its fair share of crazy storms. For those of us who’ve been through hurricanes in the past, it’s equivalent to getting stalked by a turtle. We usually have about a week or so of notice when ones developing. Now we never know exactly which track it’s going to take or where it’s going to make landfall, but we have a general idea if we’re in the “path”. I like to err on the side of caution and prep prior to hurricane season so I have all the necessary item before the shelves are empty.
So whether your sticking around or buggin’ out, here are some tips to prepare.
1. Stay informed: Monitor the weather reports and stay up-to-date on any hurricane watches or warnings that may be issued. Find a great weather station/person, someone local – I like: Rule #7 “Stop freaking out… until I tell you too – We’re fine” –Dennis Phillips.
2. Make a plan: Do you stay, or do you go? Where to you go? How do you get there? What if you’re in an evacuation zone? Know where you’re going and which route to get there. If you need to head out, this is one last thing you have to worry about.
3. Prepare your home: Secure loose objects outside, such as patio furniture or potted plants, and trim trees and shrubs to reduce potential damage. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood, and make sure your roof is in good condition.
4. Stock up on supplies: Make sure you have enough food, water, and medication to last for several days. You should also have a first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio. Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets.
5. Have a backup power source: Consider purchasing a generator or other backup power source in case of power outages. Keep extra fuel or propane on hand and make sure you know how to use it safely.
By following these tips, you can be prepared for hurricane season. Remember, it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to natural disasters. And if you’re out of town during hurricane season, a home watch service could help you out. 😉