Hurricane Preparedness
Updated: Jun 2, 2022
Post Sections In Order:
About Hurricanes
Before A Hurricane (Advice & Suggestions)
During A Hurricane (Advice & Suggestions)
After A Hurricane (Advice & Suggestions)
Product Recommendations
Afterword
About Hurricanes
Let’s talk about hurricanes. What is a hurricane? Hurricanes, also called a Typhoon or Tropical Cyclone depending on your location, are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land with wind speeds over 74 mph. The strongest hurricanes can have wind speeds exceeding 155 mph! Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (rise in water level), flooding and tornadoes. These storms are dangerous and can cause damage to places far inland. Here in the United States, hurricanes wreak havoc on our Southeast, along the Gulf of Mexico, and East coast, from Florida to New York. Not to forget the countries in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Categories & Damage Explained
Before A Hurricane
Home Prep
If you haven’t already, consider purchasing hurricane and flood insurance to protect the life you've built and to assure financial protection from future disasters
Develop an evacuation plan
Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone
Plan several route options incase of road closure.
Trim back any low hanging branches and support any smaller, or freshly planted, trees with tree stakes.
Secure all doors and windows. Put some weather stripping around drafty doors or windows, and cover your windows. If you don’t have storm shutters, board up windows with 5/8” exterior-grade or marine plywood, on the outside of the house, or hurricane fabric. Make sure the caulk on the edges of your windows inside and out are intact. If not, buy some and repair it.
Stay tuned in to weather and local news, and follow evacuation orders.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the chimney flap is closed.
If you have a basement, consider getting a sump pump. Most of the time, the pump is on standby, simply waiting until it’s needed. When it begins to rain heavily, the soil around your house becomes oversaturated. Excess groundwater funnels toward the sump pit, and it begins to fill with water. This activates the sump pump float switch and turns on the pump. By removing water from the pit and draining it into a nearby storm drain, dry well, or detention pond, the sump pump prevents the groundwater from rising to the level of your basement floor, which could cause a flood.
If you live in a mobile home or RV, try to stay with a friend or family member in a safer area during the period of the storm.
Move personal, financial, and medical records in a waterproof document case. This also makes it easier to toss it in your Bug Out Bag in a hurry.
Purchase plastic sheeting, sandbags, flood barriers, and gorilla tape.
Consider purchasing flotation devices or even blow up boats that can accommodate yourself, your BOB (Bug Out Bag), family, and pets.
Secure or bring in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children's toys, trash cans, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during strong winds or flooding.
Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to flow away from your home.
Taping windows wastes preparation time, does not stop windows from breaking in a hurricane, and does not make cleanup easier. In fact, taping windows may create larger shards of glass that can cause serious injuries.
Turn off propane tanks if you are not using them.
Prepare for flooding by elevating items in your basement, unplugging sensitive electronic equipment, clearing nearby catch basins, and parking vehicles in areas not prone to flooding.
If instructed, turn off your gas and electricity at the main switch or valve.
What to Pack and Have Ready (Bugging Out)
Essentials:
Water - 1 gallon of water, minimum, per person per day
Consider buying a water bladder that can fit in your backpack
Food - non-perishables (energy bars, dried foods, MREs, etc.)
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