How to Prepare before a Hurricane Strikes
The key to riding out a hurricane is planning and preparation. Don't wait for a hurricane watch to be posted. You should begin to prepare and organize your hurricane supply kit before the season begins. Once a watch is posted, monitor local news and weather bulletins and double check this list to make sure you have everything you need. If the watch is escalated to a warning, it's time to install your shutters and get ready to ride out the storm.
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Water - at least one gallon per person per day for seven days.
Nonperishable food - sufficient for the entire family for one week.
First aid kit.
Medical needs (extra prescription medicines, oxygen cylinders, batteries for wheelchairs, etc.).
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
Blankets and pillows.
Manual can opener.
Extra cash.
Flashlights with extra batteries.
Garbage bags and plastic ties.
Hygiene products.
Personal identification for everyone in your household.
Moist towelettes and several towels.
Plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Special supplies for infants, including diapers and formula.
Special supplies for pets, including pet food, proof of vaccinations, collars and animal tags.
Crayons, coloring books, games and small toys for kids.
Toilet paper and paper towels.
Utility knife and work gloves.
Pens, pencils and writing paper.
Photos of valuables.
Copies of insurance documents, personal ID, credit card and bank account numbers placed in sealed plastic bags.
When a hurricane threatens:
Pay attention to announcements from the National Hurricane Center.
Fill your car's gas tank.
Visit a bank or ATM and withdraw cash with some small bills.
Refill prescription medicines as needed.
If your home is well protected, stay at home. Do not evacuate unless you are instructed to do so.
Check your hurricane preparedness kit and water supplies. Take any necessary last minute steps.
Water Supplies
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. Store at least one gallon per person, per day with at least a one-week supply of water for each member of your family.
How to Store Water
The International Bottled Water Association advises consumers to store bottled water at room temperature (or cooler), out of direct sunlight and away from solvents and chemicals such as gasoline, paint thinners and dry cleaning chemicals. Bottled water can be used indefinitely if stored properly. Here are some other tips for properly maintaining a necessary supply of water during a hurricane:
Fill your bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes such as bathing, washing dishes and flushing toilets.
Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles, are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums.
Follow appropriate guidelines to properly treat water.
A Special Note about Door and Window Protection
All windows and doors should have approved hurricane shutters. Properly installed plywood panels may serve as an alternative. Now is a good time to take out all the panels, ensure they are in good order and match them up with their respective screws, holes and bolts.
You may want to pay special attention to your garage door. People are generally unaware that the garage door is potentially the largest, weakest opening of a residential home's exterior envelope to a hurricane. The Florida Alliance for Safe Homes has stated "about 80 percent of residential hurricane wind damage starts with wind entry through the garage door." If your home was built under the new building codes or if you have installed a new garage door recently, your garage door should be of a type designed to be resistant to most hurricanes. Otherwise, you may want to consider reinforcing, shielding or replacing your garage door. |
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