How to Prepare for a Hurricane: 10 Tips to Keep Your Family and Home Safe
Hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable forces of nature that can bring widespread devastation in a matter of hours. Characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, hurricanes can cause significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and even lead to loss of life.
The potential dangers associated with hurricanes make it crucial to be well-prepared and informed. Proper preparation can not only help protect your property but also ensure the safety and well-being of your family during these severe weather events.
As a life-long resident of the Carolinas I weathered a few storms including Hugo which smashed through South Carolina in 1989. I’ve picked up a few tips that I want to share with you to help you keep your family safe.
Be Informed
One of the most critical steps in hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Today, hurricanes can sneak up on anyone. Being aware of the latest weather updates and warnings can give you the time needed to take necessary precautions. The National Hurricane Center
offers great information including tracking to help you stay ahead of the storm.
Monitor Weather Updates and Warnings
Stay tuned to local news channels, weather stations, and the National Hurricane Center for the latest information on the hurricane’s path and intensity. It’s essential to keep an eye on the updates as hurricanes can change direction and strength rapidly.
There are many great resources from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on how homeowners can prepare for a tropical storm or hurricane.
Also, invest in a weather radio that can operate on batteries to receive updates even if the power goes out. Additionally, set up mobile emergency alerts on your smartphone for real-time notifications from trusted sources and local officials. Having multiple sources of information ensures you won’t miss any critical updates. Emergency preparedness is key to surviving hurricane season.
Watch: Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane
Your home is your castle and securing it against the destructive forces of a hurricane is paramount. Hurricanes can last for hours, and it’ll seem like days. So, you need your home to be ready for the storm, regardless of if you stay or evacuate.
Secure Windows and Doors
Install storm shutters on all windows or use plywood to cover them securely. If you are close to the coast this will be a must. This will protect against flying debris and high winds. Reinforce doors with heavy-duty hardware to prevent them from being blown in by strong gusts. The further you are from the cost, the less you will need to do these steps.
Bring Outdoor Furniture and Decorations Inside
Outdoor items such as furniture, garden tools, and decorations can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Bring them indoors or secure them tightly to prevent them from causing damage.
If you have solar powered lights outside your home, bring those in as they can make great lighting inside your home. After a storm you may be without power for a few days. Put the solar lights back out during the day and bring them in at night to light up your rooms.
Trim Trees and Bushes
Keep your trees and bushes well-trimmed. Overhanging branches can break off during the storm, causing damage to your home or power lines. Regular maintenance of your yard can reduce the risk of such dangers. If you have a tree that you are worried might fall in a hurricane, have it removed now before a storm comes.
Stock Up on Essentials
Having a well-stocked emergency kit can make a significant difference in your comfort and safety during and after a hurricane. These kits can be used for all sorts of emergencies and are great to have on hand in the event of any type of emergency.
Supply Kit
Prepare a supply kit that includes non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Also make sure you first aid kit is ready to go. If you don’t have one, there are many first aid kits on Amazon for less than $20. This kit should be easily accessible and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
In the days before a storm, you can gather the supplies you need from around your home. Many people will not be prepared and will flock to every store in town to get water, size D batteries, and generators.
An overlook part of family emergency supply kits is entertainment. This is especially important if you have small children. A deck of UNO cards will go a long way to helping them cope with the storm.
Water
Usually, the first thing you will need after a hurricane is water. If the water flows at all it will usually be contaminated as the water treatment plants will be overrun with water from the storm. Expect a boil water advisory for a few days after it has passed.
Each person in your home needs two gallons of water per day, per person. So a family of 4 will need 8 gallons of water to survive 2 days without clean water. This water should be kept for emergencies only, not trips to the beach.
Stock up early on water because there will be a run on bottled water when a storm is forecasted to hit your area. But if you are caught unprepared, then you have a few options available to you in your own home.
First, you can fill your bathtubs with water. This can be used for cleaning and bathing – not drinking. Second, fill all your large pots with water to be used for drinking and cooking. You can also freeze water in bags to keep cold food cold during power outages.
Gasoline
If you live in a hurricane zone long enough, you’ll learn to buy gas as soon as a storm is predicted. Personally, I do not like to store gasoline at my home. So for tips on that, check out this article from Popular Science.
As a general rule don’t let the gas in any of your vehicle’s dip below half a tank in hurricane season. Patrick McNamara will advise you to not let it get below three quarters of a tank. But the point is to have gas in your car ready to go during hurricane season.
Speaking of Pat Mac, I had a fantastic interview with him about surviving an intentional blackout in his area.
Charge Devices
Most likely during a hurricane your home will lose power. Prepare for this by charging all of your communication devices like phones, laptops, and tablets. Without power comes a lose of internet, so you’ll be reliant on cellular service.
If you have power tools that are cordless, make sure to charge all of your batteries in the hours before a storm. You’ll want to make sure you can use them to make repairs to your home and vehicles before the storm. This also includes any flashlights that are rechargeable.
Stock up on batteries of all sizes to power flashlights, games, and radios. Prioritize the sizes needed for communication devices and lights.
You can also buy a portable power station or generator. Whole home generators are nice to have in any power outage but do cost a lot. Portable power stations are made of rechargeable batteries that you can recharge at home. I’ve been impressed with the Bluetti EB3A and right now it costs less than $200.
General Preparedness
Consider including cash, as ATMs and credit card systems might be down. Keep important documents such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records in a waterproof container. Don’t forget supplies for your pets, including food, water, and any necessary medications.
Plan for Evacuation
Many of us don’t like the idea of leaving our home during a crisis. In some cases, evacuation is the safest option. Having a plan in place can make the process smoother and less stressful. Also, if you feel like evacuation is the best course of action, leave sooner than everyone else.
Many people will wait until the government tells them to leave. They’ll clog the roads, gas stations, and stores. Get out before everyone else to have a safer trip and find more hotel rooms and places to eat while the storm passes.
Evacuation Routes and Plans
Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes. Know where the nearest shelters are and plan how you will get there. Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and have a map handy in case GPS systems fail. If you don’t know your routes Google your state name plus evacuation route to find them.
Discuss and decide with your family where you will go if you need to evacuate. Whether it’s a relative’s house, a hotel, or a public shelter, make sure everyone knows the plan and how to get there. If you are traveling with an animal, make sure the hotel or shelter will allow them.
Being Safe at Home During a Hurricane
Once the hurricane hits, it’s crucial to stay indoors and keep yourself safe from the external dangers. Many people like to joke that dads will go out on the front porch and look for the storm. Don’t do this, trust me. Staying inside is your best course of action.
During the hurricane, stay indoors. High winds and flying debris make it extremely dangerous to be outside. Resist the urge to go out and check on damage until you are sure the storm has passed.
Seek Shelter in an Interior Room
Choose a small, windowless interior room, such as a bathroom or closet, to shelter in during the storm. This will provide the most protection from wind and flying debris. Keep a mattress or heavy blankets nearby to cover yourself in case the roof or windows give way. Rooms on the first floor are preferred unless flooding becomes an issue.
If this sounds terrifying to you, then evacuate.
Calling for Help
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. Emergency services are there to help, and it’s important to prioritize safety. Contact emergency services to report injuries or significant property damage. They can provide guidance on the next steps and assist with recovery efforts.
Please note there will be a point during the storm where it will be too dangerous to dispatch emergency crews. When the storm is at its worse, police, fire, and medical will not go out. If you stay in your home know that you will be on your own during the storm. Also expect to self-rescue for a long time after the storm as passed.
Generally, after major weather events communities band together. In all of my years of hurricanes I’ve not be worried about home security or self-defense after a storm. However, the longer your community is without power, essential services, and emergency response the chance of crime rises.
Be Cautious After the Storm Passes
Even after the hurricane has passed, there are still many dangers to be aware of. While the biggest threat of the storm as waned, don’t get too excited as there are some dangers we need to know about before we look at our property or check on our neighbors.
Downed Power Lines and Flooding
Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters, as they can be contaminated and hide dangerous debris.
Avoid Driving Through Standing Water
Do not attempt to drive through standing water. It can be deeper than it looks, and your vehicle can be swept away. According to the National Weather Service, a car can float away in 12 inches of water. Turn around and find an alternate route if you encounter flooded roads.
Check on Your Neighbors
Community support can be crucial during and after a hurricane. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, or those with young children. They may need assistance with evacuation or securing their home. Work together with your neighbors to assess damage in your area. This can help identify hazards and ensure that everyone gets the help they need. In the aftermath of a hurricane, there might be situations that require professional help.
Documenting Damage for Insurance
Documenting damage to your property after a hurricane is crucial for insurance claims and potential repairs.
Ensure Safety First
Before you start documenting, make sure it is safe to enter or move around your property. Watch out for hazards like downed power lines, gas leaks, and unstable structures. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from debris.
Take Photos and Videos
Use a camera or smartphone to take clear, detailed photos and videos of all damaged areas. Ensure you capture the following:
Exterior Damage: Include the roof, windows, doors, siding, and landscaping.
Interior Damage: Document each room, focusing on damaged walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.
Structural Damage: Capture any significant structural issues, such as foundation cracks or shifted walls.
Before and After: If possible, include photos from before the hurricane to provide a comparison.
If you make any immediate repairs or purchases for temporary housing or supplies, keep all receipts. These can be reimbursed by your insurance company.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Provide them with:
Your Policy Number: Have your insurance policy number ready.
Details of the Damage: Share your photos, videos, and written descriptions.
Receipts and Estimates: Submit receipts for any immediate expenses and repair estimates.
Keep in mind that even the biggest insurance companies will be overwhelmed in the aftermath of a hurricane. It will take time to move the process along and to find contractors to repair your home.
Create a folder (physical or digital) to store all photos, videos, receipts, estimates, and written descriptions. This will help you stay organized and ensure you have all necessary documentation when filing your insurance claim.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
With any life interruption, whether it be a hurricane or a pandemic, getting moving is key to your success. Denial has a large body count, don’t let it claim you. Reading this article is a great start but you need to start today, before the storm arrives to fully protect yourself, your family, and your property.
Don’t be caught fighting over the last pack of batteries at the store. Buy them now on Amazon. Check your first aid kit today to see what you lack and what needs your family has today. Make sure your cars have enough gas in them to get you to the next inland state.
Conclusion: Essential Hurricane Safety Tips for Homeowners
By following these tips and having a solid hurricane preparedness plan, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with these powerful storms. Remember, preparation and staying informed are key to ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones during hurricane season.
For more resources, the American Red Cross has compiled a great list of what to do before a hurricane.
Comments