With Atlantic hurricane season approaching, it’s time to think about how you’ll prepare for it. It’s frightening to think about, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.
Here’s your full guide to preparing before the Atlantic hurricane season hits.
Preparing For the Atlantic Hurricane Season
1. Prepare an evacuation plan:
This is the very first thing you should do. If a hurricane happens, how will you evacuate?
Make a plan (and include pets in your plans too, if you have them). Be sure everyone in your home knows the plan. Are there evacuation shelters nearby? If so, decide which one is closest to you. If you’re looking to stay at home during a storm, make sure you’re allowed to do so in your area.
Also, tell loved ones your plans as well, so they’ll know where you should be if you need to evacuate in a hurry.
2. Check your insurance:
Before anything even happens, you’ll want to check what your insurance covers.
Will your policy cover the costs of repairs in case of a hurricane? Depending on the severity of the storm, you may need help repairing your roof, windows, or even whole walls of your home. If you rent, remember you’ll need insurance for your belongings, as they could be damaged in a storm.
3. Put together an emergency kit:
You’ll need a kit to tide you over should you need to evacuate quickly.
In it, you’ll need things like blankets, water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, and any medication that you’ll need. You’ll want enough supplies to keep you covered for around two weeks. Pack everything into air-tight plastic bags, and have your kit somewhere you can easily grab it.
4. Document your home and valuables:
It’s a good idea to go around your home taking photographs of anything that’s valuable before the worst happens. That way, you’ll have evidence of your expensive possessions, which will make filing an insurance claim in the future much easier.
If A Hurricane Is Probable
1. Clear your gutters and down spouts:
If a storm is coming, you want to ensure that as much water as possible will be directed away from your roof. Excess water will cause damage and lead to costly repair bills afterwards.
It’s fairly easy to do, you just need a ladder and some gloves as you unclog them. It’s worth investing in a gutter guard, to ensure that they don’t get clogged up again during the storms.
2. Go over your plans:
Now’s the time to talk to your family and determine what you’ll do if the hurricane hits.
You should already have a plan in place, so make sure everyone knows what it is, and practice it if necessary. Work out where you’ll meet up if you need to, and how you’ll get there. The more planned out this is, the better.
3. Get reinforcing materials:
You’ll need to stock up on materials such as plywood, which will reinforce your windows and doors, including your garage door. If a hurricane happens, you’ll need to ensure that the weather can’t get into the house. With windows and doors protected, you’ll have much less damage to contend with after the fact.
4. Keep an eye on the news:
Local news channels should be keeping you up to date on the weather in your area. If you’re living in the Atlantic hurricane season, they will let you know when a hurricane approaches – so make sure you’re keeping an eye on them. You can also watch the progress of hurricanes online, so you can keep track of them in real time.
If A Hurricane Is Coming
1. Secure your home:
As soon as you know the hurricane is coming your way, it’s in your best interests to fortify your home as soon as you can. Secure any cars or boats, and board up doors and windows. Bring in any loose items from outside, such as trash cans.
2. Have your phone set up for alerts:
If you’re in an area at risk of hurricanes, you’ll know that you can get alerts sent straight to your phone. Set this up ahead of time and keep a close eye on your phone. If you get any official information or advice, make sure you pay attention to it and more importantly, follow it.
3. Charge your devices:
Speaking of your phones, as soon as you hear a hurricane is coming, plug everything in and get them charging up. The more power you have on your phones and devices, the better. It’s a good idea to invest in some portable chargers and keep them charged up too.
4. Stock up on water:
If you’re going to be without utilities for a while, you need to ensure you have enough water. You should have plenty in your emergency kit, but don’t forget you’ll need water for flushing toilets, brushing teeth, and cleaning, too.
Fill up your bathtub and larger containers with water that you can use for this and other tasks, just in case.
5. Fill the gas tank:
If you need to evacuate from a hurricane, you need to have enough gas to get you where you’re going. Go fill up your tank so you know you have enough fuel, no matter what happens.
6. Keep food safe:
You may be without power for a while. What’s the best way to keep your food safe while you wait out the storm? Check out the Department of Agriculture‘s site – there is plenty of advice there you can follow.
7. Evacuate if need be:
If you need to evacuate, make sure you do so as soon as possible. Follow your plan and get to your shelter in a safe manner.
Conclusion
With this guide, you should be able to stay safe during the Atlantic hurricane season. Plan your evacuation route, have an emergency kit ready, and keep a close eye on the local news. Stay prepared, and you’ll be safe should a storm head your way.
