The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know who issues evacuation orders for your area, determine locations on where you will ride out the storm, and start to get your supplies now. Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor.
When preparing for the upcoming hurricane season keep the following in mind:
- Complete a written plan
- Have photo documentation of your valuables
- Keep your important documents together for quick access
- Share your plan
- Help your neighbor
- Help your neighbors prepare
- Help your neighbors evacuate
- Check-in after the storm passes
- Strengthen your home
- Cover windows
- Trim trees
- Secure loose outdoor items
- Secure all doors
- Move your car to a safe location
- Get an insurance check-up
- Check with your agent
- Keep your documents with you
- Consider flood insurance
- Know your policy
- Assemble disaster supplies
- Food/Water
- Medicine
- Batteries, Radio, Chargers
- Gas up
- Cash on hand
- Develop an evacuation plan
- Find out if you live in an evacuation zone
- Plan out a route
- Follow evacuation orders
- Plan for your pets
- Determine your risk
- Storm surge
- Rip currents
- Inland flooding
- Tornadoes
- Strong winds
While preparing for hurricane season, always follow the latest guidelines from the local Government, Ministry of Health and NEMO.
Source: NOAA
