Before it’s too late, you need to know how to prepare for hurricane season. There are some things you can wait until the last minute to do, but preparing for a hurricane isn’t one of them. Although local weather stations do their best to keep the people informed on the hurricanes whereabouts and predicted track, nature is sometimes unpredictable.
This is why you must be prepared for the worst at all times, but hope for the best. When hurricane season’s approaching, you should know some of the best hurricane hacks to keep you and the entire family safe and prepared. If you know how to stay safe during a hurricane, then you can have some peace of mind.
In the guide below, you’ll learn about a few tips for hurricane season. Continue reading to get started!
1. Know Your Way Out
No one wants to be forced out of their home. In fact, some people decide to wait out a hurricane in the comforts of their home, even if an evacuation order’s in place. Your home is your safe place, and it’s understandable if you don’t want to leave.
Evacuating sometimes, however, is necessary. It’s best to ensure the safety of yourself and your family rather than trying to hold down the fort at your home. Because of this, you should always know the way out. If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, what route do you need to take to get out of danger the fastest?
Look at a local map and have a plan. It’s also best to have a backup plan because some roads might be closed off. You should also have a destination in place as well.
Where will you go? How can you ensure it’s safe? What’s your backup location if the first one isn’t accessible?
Know the answers to these questions ahead of time.
2. Pack an Emergency Kit
The next step is to pack your emergency kit. Think about all the items you need each day. What are your necessities?
You need to begin planning your emergency kit ahead of time because you most likely have more necessities than you know. Over time, you might remember more items that you need in your kit. Not only will you need survival items, but you’ll need hurricane preparedness items as well.
Some items to consider placing in your emergency kit are the following:
- Cash
- Cell phone and chargers
- Spare batteries
- Spare car keys
- Radio
- Flashlight
- Rainboots and raincoats
- Important documents
- Medications
- Hygiene items
Remember, this list is just to get you started. You want to have at least a two-week supply of all these items. You also want to have an emergency food bag with enough nonperishable items to last you several weeks as well.
Be sure to collect these items from the stores as quickly as possible. These are the items that’ll sell out quickly during a hurricane, especially bottled water. If desired, you can purchase a survival kit with all the necessary items already in it.
You can find different options from thesurvivalkithub.com.
3. Keep Up With Local News
Your local news stations are a great resource for tracking the hurricane. You should be sure to have a way of tuning into local news stations at all times to learn the new route of the hurricane and any orders being put in place by local law enforcement. If you still have power, you can try tuning in to the local news channel.
If not, this is where your battery-operated radio comes in handy. When advised to evacuate or prepare in other ways, follow these instructions. This is the best way to ensure your safety.
4. Secure the Exterior
There are several ways to protect your home from hurricane damage. You should start securing the exterior of your home once you know its track is headed your way. To begin, cut any weak branches hanging over the home.
You can install storm shutters on your windows or nail wooden boards over them instead. Plywood can be placed over sliding doors to protect them. You should also make sure all exterior doors are hurricane proof.
Some homeowners also use sandbags to help keep water from entering the home. There are also flood protectors you can install around your house.
5. Relocate All Vehicles
With a hurricane comes flooding. If your vehicle isn’t located on high ground, then you’ll want to relocate it. Even areas not deemed flood zones can flood when a strong enough hurricane comes through.
To be safe, relocate all vehicles to higher ground. Check your district’s flood zone map and find a nearby area with a lower chance of flooding. If you have access to a parking garage, then you can consider parking your car there as well.
6. Place Important Documents in a Weather-Proof Safe
Any important documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, and more should be placed inside a weather-proof safe. This safe will protect these paper documents from water and fire. It’s also a good idea to place any priceless items into the safe as well.
For example, family photos, letters, and other special items close to your heart should be placed in this safe to keep them protected in case of a flood or fire.
7. Dedicate a Room for Shelter
Dedicating a room in the home as a shelter room is necessary as well. In the case when you’re unable to evacuate on time, you’ll have to stay safe in your home until the storm passes. The best place to wait out a storm is on the first floor of the house, in a room located in the center of the house.
Find a room with no windows and seek shelter there. If you have a basement or a storm shelter, then take cover there until the hurricane passes.
Use These Hurricane Hacks to Remain Safe and Calm
Learning that a hurricane is on its way towards you is terrifying. It brings uncertainty and fear. You want to protect yourself, your home, and your family.
Use these hurricane hacks and tips listed above for the best hurricane season prep. Doing so will put you on the right track to safety and peace of mind during unsettling times.
For other life hacks, continue to visit on a regular basis!