How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Understand the impact of climate change on hurricanes

Understand Your Risk

Know Your Zone: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and zones. If you live in a coastal area or a mobile home, you may be at higher risk and should have a clear evacuation plan in place.

Develop a comprehensive emergency plan

• Developing a comprehensive emergency plan involves outlining essential contact details, including family, friends, schools, workplaces, and emergency services.

• Your emergency plan should include current insurance details, such as policy information and photographs of your property for potential claims.

• Its important to identify at least two marked evacuation routes on maps, especially in high-risk states where hurricane evacuation routes are signposted.

• Review and regularly update your family emergency plan, ensuring everyone knows how to get in contact and where to meet in case of an evacuation.

• Include a designated out-of-state contact in your emergency plan to maintain communication and check on family members well-being during a hurricane.

Assemble a disaster supply kit

• A disaster kit should contain enough food and water to last at least three days for each person and animal in your household.

• Essential items to include in your disaster supply kit are medicines, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a portable radio.

• Its crucial to fill up all available containers with water, including sinks and bathtubs, prior to the hurricane to ensure you have enough for various needs.

• Cash should be part of your disaster kit as electronic payment systems may not function during power outages.

• Stocking your refrigerator and freezer with water and ice can help maintain a cool temperature and availability of water supply in case of disruptions.

Secure your home against potential damage

• Reinforce vulnerabilities in your home by installing storm shutters or using pre-cut plywood to protect windows and doors from high winds during a hurricane.

• Regular yard maintenance is essential to reduce hurricane risks; trim trees and shrubs to minimize the chances of falling branches and debris causing damage.

• Secure or bring indoors any outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds to prevent injury and property damage.

• If possible, use straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home to enhance stability against strong winds.
• Reinforce your garage doors to prevent them from collapsing under the force of hurricane winds.

Stay informed about hurricane forecasts

• Reliable hurricane forecasts are issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which provides warnings broadcasted on TV and radio that cover the coming 36 hours.

• The National Hurricane Centers website features a live map that shows tropical storm activity expected over the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans in the next 48 hours.

• Utilizing hurricane tracker apps on mobile devices allows you to monitor storm paths, wind strength, and potential damage, with options like the free app Hurricane by American Red Cross.

• Staying continuously informed via reputable sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local meteorological services is crucial for effective hurricane preparation and safety.

• Signing up for emergency alerts enables timely updates regarding evacuations, storm tracks, and critical information, helping individuals make informed decisions during hurricane season.

Identify and understand hurricane categories

• Hurricanes are rated using the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale, which categorizes them based on maximum sustained wind speeds and potential for damage.

• There are five categories defined by the Saffir-Simpson scale, with any storm that has maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher classified as a hurricane.

• Category 1 hurricanes, with wind speeds ranging from 74 to 95 mph, can cause some damage to well-constructed homes, including roof and siding damage, and can topple shallowly rooted trees.

• The higher the category number on the Saffir-Simpson scale, the greater the hurricanes potential for property damage and destruction.

• Understanding hurricane categories is crucial for hurricane preparedness, as it helps in assessing the risks associated with different storm intensities.

Plan your evacuation route in advance

• An effective evacuation plan should include contact details for family, friends, schools, workplaces, and emergency services to ensure seamless communication during a hurricane event.

• When planning your evacuation, its important to map out at least two evacuation routes, especially in high-risk states where hurricane evacuation routes are signposted.

• Coordination with family members is crucial, particularly in assisting elderly or disabled individuals, to ensure they can evacuate safely in case of a hurricane.

• Its essential to understand the evacuation process of your childrens school, which facilitates a more organized response in emergencies.

• Be mindful of including pet-friendly accommodations in your evacuation route to ensure the safety and comfort of your pets during a hurricane.

Consider transportation options during evacuation

• It is important to fill up your vehicle’s gas tank well in advance of a hurricanes arrival since gas stations may run out of fuel or become inaccessible as the storm approaches.

• Creating a plan that includes maps with at least two evacuation routes is essential for navigating safely out of hurricane-prone areas.

• Ensure that your transportation means, such as vehicles or generators, are in good working condition and stocked with adequate fuel before the storm.

• Staying informed about local news helps in making timely decisions regarding evacuation and understanding transportation routes.

• In case of an evacuation, consider alternative transportation options, such as rides with family or friends, to avoid reliance on public transport or fuel access.

Prepare your pets for emergencies

• Determine how you will address your pet’s needs and create a plan for your pet in case you have to evacuate during a hurricane.

• Its important to consider large animals such as horses when preparing for emergencies, ensuring you have a plan in place for their care and transportation.

• Assemble a pet survival kit containing essential supplies to meet your pets needs during a hurricane.

• Include your pet in your emergency preparedness discussions, especially if you have family members who are elderly or have special needs that require additional considerations.

• Notify family or friends about your emergency plan regarding your pets, so they can assist or check on them in the aftermath of a storm.

Create a communication plan with family and community

• Establish and share emergency contacts with a trusted friend or family member who lives outside the affected area to ensure they are aware of your evacuation plan and intended destination.

• Create a communication plan with family members that includes how to stay in touch during and after the storm, particularly if separation occurs.

• Keep a hardcopy record of your area’s emergency response contacts for quick access during a crisis.

• If power is lost during a hurricane, utilize flashlights and ensure you have extra batteries in your preparedness kit to maintain visibility and communication.

• For families, consider incorporating an emergency communication plan to facilitate updates and coordination among members in the event of a disaster.

Practice your emergency plan regularly

• Regularly practicing your emergency plan ensures that all members of your family are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures during a hurricane.

• Incorporating hurricane preparedness into your emergency plan is essential, as even minor hurricanes can cause significant damage.

• Conducting evacuation drills can keep everyone prepared and reduce panic during an actual hurricane event.

• Signing up for emergency alerts from local authorities can help you stay informed about potential hurricane threats and necessary actions.

• Keeping contact information for family, friends, and emergency services updated is crucial for effective communication during a hurricane emergency.

Stock up on food and water supplies

• It is essential to maintain a non-perishable food supply that will last your entire family for two to four weeks to prepare for potential lengthy disruptions in essential services after a hurricane.

• You should plan to have enough drinking water, ideally one gallon per person per day, and stock a total of at least seven gallons per person to ensure hydration during an emergency.

• Non-perishable foods high in protein, such as peanut butter, are recommended as they provide energy and can sustain you during meal times when access to fresh food is limited.

• In preparation for a hurricane, you should gather supplies into a disaster kit that includes food and water to last at least three days for each person and animal.

• Filling up all available containers with water, including sinks and bathtubs, before a hurricane hits can provide a reserve for non-drinking purposes, such as flushing toilets or washing dishes.

Develop neighborhood support networks

• Building good relationships with family members and friends is crucial for emotional support during hurricane preparation and response.

• Relying on electronic communication can help maintain connections with loved ones when face-to-face interactions are difficult during a hurricane.

• Preparing together with neighbors can create a sense of community and solidarity, enhancing the overall preparedness efforts for the storm.

• Developing a support network allows individuals to share resources, information, and care for one another during trying times.

• Engaging in community preparedness activities fosters resilience and better collective responses to the challenges posed by hurricanes.

Prepare for long-term disruptions

• Hurricanes can bring severe impacts, including high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding, which can cause long-term disruptions to communities and infrastructure.

• Preparing for a hurricane involves making plans for evacuation and identifying safe shelter options, which are crucial for minimizing disruptions during and after the storm.

• Taking preventive measures before a hurricane season begins can help reduce potential property damage and lessen the stress associated with recovery efforts.

• It is essential to start hurricane preparedness early in the season, as waiting until a warning is issued may lead to insufficient time to gather necessary supplies and make critical decisions.

• Emotional well-being can be affected by the anticipation of a hurricane, making it important to recognize and manage stress, anxiety, and fear in order to prepare for long-term effects of the storm.

Understand the psychological impact of disasters

• Anticipating the arrival of a hurricane can create uncertainty regarding living arrangements and personal safety, leading to increased feelings of stress and anxiety among those in the storms path.

• The near-constant coverage of a hurricanes approach can heighten emotional reactions such as fear and distress, making it vital to recognize and address these common feelings.

• Establishing a personalized disaster plan not only promotes physical safety but also serves as a proactive measure to safeguard emotional well-being during a crisis.

• Communicating with children about potential disasters can help reduce their stress levels and promote a sense of security during uncertain times.

• Preparing emotionally for a storm involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits that contribute to overall emotional and physical well-being.

Help others in your community prepare

• Building strong relationships with family and friends can provide crucial support before, during, and after a hurricane, enabling better communication and assistance.

• Partner with local organizations like Convoy of Hope to distribute emergency supplies and provide aid in your community in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

• Encourage neighbors to create emergency plans and review them together, ensuring everyone knows the safest locations and the steps to take in case of an evacuation.

• Share valuable resources from the National Weather Service and the Red Cross to help others access critical information about hurricane preparation and response.

• Coordinate with community members to stock up on emergency supplies, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual assistance in preparation for hurricane season.

Conclusion: Building resilience against hurricanes

• Staying informed through reputable sources, such as the National Hurricane Center and local meteorological services, is essential for effective hurricane preparation and response.

• Acquiring flood insurance is a crucial preventive measure, as even minor flooding can lead to significant damage, with one inch potentially costing over $25,000.

• Having enough supplies to last at least seven days can greatly enhance resilience during a hurricane and minimize stress during emergencies.

• Developing a clear evacuation plan, including understanding evacuation zones, is critical to ensuring safety when facing the threat of a hurricane.

• Creating and maintaining a hurricane preparedness kit, which includes essential supplies and resources, can significantly improve readiness and safety for individuals and families in hurricane-prone areas.
• Its important to identify at least two marked evacuation routes on maps, especially in high-risk states where hurricane evacuation routes are signposted.
• Review and regularly update your family emergency plan, ensuring everyone knows how to get in contact and where to meet in case of an evacuation.

• Include a designated out-of-state contact in your emergency plan to maintain communication and check on family members well-being during a hurricane.