June may be the official start of hurricane season but there’s never a wrong time to begin emergency planning and preparation. Here are some of the first steps you’ll want to take in preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm.
Create a family emergency plan including evacuation routes and meeting points should you become separated or lose power. Determine how you’ll stay in touch and consider designating someone from out-of-state as your primary point of contact. Once your evacuation and communication plans are in place, sign up for storm alerts.
The FEMA app allows you to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, and find emergency shelters in your area. Stay tuned to local news as well for updates on school closings, sandbag sites, road closures, and emergency supply tips. If you have a pet, be sure to have them microchipped and know a safe place where you can take them if hotels or public shelters don’t allow pets. Once news sources announce the projected path of a tropical storm or hurricane, stores within the cone (i.e., the probable track of the hurricane) are likely to become frenzied. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medications for people and pets in advance of storm announcements. Also, prepare a basic first aid kit that contains the following:
Lastly, gather essential items such as flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio, and have cash on hand in case power outages affect ATMs and card readers. If you have a pet, ensure that their essential supplies (i.e., leashes, carriers, pet pillows, and blankets) are stored conveniently near yours for easy access.
In preparing your home for a hurricane, you’ll want to begin by:
Once a hurricane is approaching:
While much of the focus on hurricane preparedness centers on protecting your home, it's equally important to prepare your car. Your vehicle will be essential if you need to run last-minute errands or evacuate as a storm approaches.
Before driving:
On the road:
We have several FREE guides that you can access for Hurricanes, Floods and Tornadoes, here are the links:
Weather preparedness
What's in your roadside emergency kit? Get the safety essentials for your car.
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