Hurricane season is here, and it’s crucial to prepare. This includes knowing your hurricane risk, making an emergency plan, and understanding evacuation routes. Additionally, having a readily available emergency kit with essentials like food, water, and first-aid supplies is vital.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Know Your Risk:
- Hurricanes can affect areas far inland, not just coastal regions.
- Understand how wind, water, and even tornadoes could impact your location.
- Identify if you live in a flood-prone area or an evacuation zone.
- Assess your home’s structural weaknesses (e.g., windows, garage door).
- Develop an Emergency Plan:
- Create a plan that includes everyone in your household, including pets.
- Practice your evacuation plan, including routes and designated meeting places.
- Have a communication plan in place to stay connected if separated.
- Consider the needs of children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
- If you have pets, ensure they are accounted for in your plan.
- Gather Supplies:
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation, for at least 3-7 days.
- Non-perishable – food enough for 3 days for evacuation and 14 days if staying home.
- First-aid supplies – including medications, especially prescriptions.
- Flashlights and extra batteries – essential for power outages.
- Fully charged cell phone and charger. Consider a car charger or portable charger.
- Important documents – in a waterproof container or resealable bag, including insurance information, medical records, and important contact numbers.
- Pet supplies – Food, water, medications, and carriers.
- Cash – In small bills, as ATMs may be unavailable.
- Other items: Toiletries, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, and tools.
- Stay Informed:
- Have multiple ways to receive alerts and local emergency notifications, such as Ready Harris Alerts or the FEMA app for text message updates. .
- Be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA).
- Monitor trusted weather sources and official announcements from local authorities and the National Hurricane Center.
- During a Hurricane:
- If ordered to evacuate, leave immediately.
- If not under mandatory evacuation, consider your options and follow official guidance.
- Never drive through flooded roads or across closed bridges.
- Stay tuned to emergency updates and follow instructions from local officials.
Additional Tips:
- Secure loose items outside your home, such as lawn furniture and trash cans.
- Trim trees that could fall on your home.
- Prepare for potential flooding by cleaning drains and gutters.
- Review your insurance coverage, including flood insurance.
- Consider elevating your heating system, water heater, and electric panel.
- Fill bathtubs and containers with water for sanitation purposes.
- Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities.
- Have a communication plan with family and friends outside the affected area.
- Know where to move your car for safety during the storm.
- Ensure pets have proper identification, food, water, and medications.
By taking these steps, you can significantly improve your preparedness and safety during the 2025 hurricane season.