Tropical cyclones are some of the most forceful and damaging natural phenomena that affect people’s lives. These storms are characterized by torrential rains, gusting wind levels, and flooding, which is very destructive to property and individuals. It is always useful to know what to do and what not to do before the hurricane strikes to prevent a lot of damage to property and loss of life. Early preparations also help to ease the recovery process once the storm has happened through effective preparation.
This short guide will provide you with the proper guidelines and tips for preparing for a hurricane to protect yourself, your house, and your property.
Always Have an Emergency Plan
The first thing one must do before a hurricane hits is to have a plan in place for a hurricane emergency. This plan should identify what measures you and your family will be taking before, during and after the hurricane. Ensure all the members of your household understand the plan and are prepared to implement it at all times.
If a coordinated evacuation of the neighborhood is compulsory, know how to evacuate the area safely. Always make sure that you have a map handy, especially in the event that the GPS services malfunction. It is also important for all the members of your household to know how to communicate with one another in case they get separated.
Have a Hurricane Supply Kit
A hurricane supply kit is a must-have when one needs to stay at home during a hurricane. Your kit should have everything that you can use if you and your family are stuck at home for at least three days with no electricity, water, or other utilities. Make certain you stock up your supplies way ahead of the hurricane season so that you do not find yourself running around in circles during the final days.
For instance, according to the emergency preparedness guideline, ensure there is sufficient water for use for at least three days. Pack non-perishable items such as canned soups, vegetables, fruits, cereals, power bars, peanut butter, etc. It is also very important to ensure that you have flashlights and extra batteries for illumination during a power blackout.
Secure Your House
Perhaps the most important part of preparing for a hurricane is to ensure that your house is safe and will suffer as little damage as possible. A bit of wind and flying objects can cause serious damage to your home, so you should prepare for them beforehand.
Hurricanes may break windows and doors and then allow rain and wind in the house. If you don’t have storm shutters, install pre-cut plywood to protect your windows before the hurricane arrives. Check on exterior doors and garage doors more frequently because strong winds easily blow them. Ensure the doors are well-fitted and closed in a way that can prevent water from getting into the room.
Protecting Your Outdoor Automobiles
Another thing you have to safeguard during a hurricane is your car and other outdoor assets. If your car is kept outside a garage, it is vulnerable to flying debris during a tornado or hurricane, flash floods, or even a falling tree. Probably, one of the simplest things that you can do to protect your vehicle is to get a car cover.
There are great selection of car covers in the market at affordable prices that repel water and protect the car from falling branches, stones, and other materials likely to hit it and cause scratches, denting, or window breaking. A strong car covering will also ensure that any water that falls on the car does not get in and cause further harm, such as damage to the interior or to any of the car’s electronics, in case there is an ingress of water.
However, even when using a car cover, ensure that you park your car in a secure area, well away from trees or power lines that might fall during the storm. Where available, it is advisable to park in areas with the least deposition of water.
Stay Informed on Emergency Alerts
It is wise to be aware of an incoming hurricane and its progression in order to determine the action plan. Unless you stay informed, you will most likely be caught unaware and not know what to do, so being informed is the best way to stay safe as a family. Tune into your television or radio for weather information, and follow the guidelines from your local authorities on when and where to evacuate and how to protect yourself from danger.
The NOAA weather radio helps to determine the current state of a storm and any necessary alerts or warnings. Install hurricane tracking mobile applications that not only inform about the approaching hurricane but also give real-time information about the hurricane.
You can listen to local stations in a given area to get information on evacuation routes or centers, closed roads, and other important details. This is especially possible through social media, as you follow your trusted local government and the emergency services.