Stay Safe During A Hurricane With These Tips

With hurricane season among us, many Americans are panicked as they feel unprepared to face the storm.

Others choose to ignore the hurricane warning, which is also equally as dangerous.

But in between struggling and rushing around in a frenzied panic, and ignoring safety warnings, there is a healthy balance.

Here are some tips to help you prioritize and take care of business should a hurricane strike.

  1. Take Warnings Seriously: If you are told to evacuate – get out!

You are not superwoman, and you are not stronger than a storm. If professionals advise you to get out and relocate to a safe location, take their warnings seriously.

One of the most dangerous things you can do is ignore the warnings by refusing to leave.

Not only do you jeopardize the safety of your own life and your children, but you endanger others who will be forced to come in and rescue you.

  1. Secure Your Home: Before you hit the road, do what you can to protect your home.

Whether it’s boarding up the windows or placing sandbags down, follow the instructions given on how best to keep your home protected.

Be careful what you read, as there is misinformation floating around the internet instructing people to tape up their windows. But experts agree, this isn’t the best policy.

ABC News reported on the best ways to secure your home:

“Experts tell ABC Action News that readying your windows can be one of the best things you can do to protect your house from wind damage and debris.

They say it’s important to note that taping your windows isn’t known to work.

Instead, boarding up your windows is the best way to go. But many people have questions about how to do this properly — especially if they aren’t especially handy.

Home Repair experts with the app HOMEE went through boarding up your windows step by step.

They say the first thing to do is figure out whether you have wood window sills or concrete window sills. That’s key because a wood screw won’t go into concrete, and a concrete screw won’t work with wood.

“You have to have the right material for the right screw,” said James Asmundo, HOMEE handyman.

The next thing you want to do is measure your sills. You want to ensure the entire window is sealed and covered, Asmundo said.

Then, get the wood cut to fit the sills. Either do it yourself, or get it cut in a store. Many of the big box stores like Home Depot and Lowes will cut the wood for you for a price.”

  1. Preparation Is Key: Having an evacuation kit prepared in advance will save you time, and money.

Wondering what to include in your kit?

American Red Cross suggested the following items to include in your emergency preparedness kit:

  • Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  • Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Emergency blanket
  • Map(s) of the area

Of course, use your personal discretion, and feel free to add in additional items such as your child’s favorite comfort toy. The goal is to make sure you have a kit ready of items, so you aren’t struggling last minute.

Preparing for a hurricane might be scary, and seem overwhelming.

But the main thing is to remain calm, and do as much legwork ahead of time as possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask a neighbor for help, and remember to take all evacuation instructions seriously!

What are some hurricane tips you recommend?

Have you found helpful items you include in your emergency kit?

Tell us your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section below.