Hurricanes are a natural phenomena known for their unpredictable behavior and great destructive power. Coming in different sizes with varied wind speeds, they should never be underestimated no matter the category. With the potential for heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding, it is crucial to take proactive measures to protect you, your loved ones, and your home if you live in a hurricane-prone area. One way to do this is by carefully following a hurricane prep checklist like ours provided below. Despite our forecast of a lower than average hurricane season this year, being informed and taking the necessary precautions can minimize the risks and keep you and your family safe during the storm.
Create an Emergency Plan
It's important to have an emergency plan in case of a hurricane. This should include detailed evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and a reliable communication plan.
Additionally, in order to ensure maximum preparedness, every member of your household should know which evacuation routes to take and where to meet in case of separation during the storm. Making sure your meeting place is in a secure and safe location and that any evacuation routes are not prone to flooding. It's also wise to appoint a person, outside of your household, to be a point of contact if you are unable to reach one another.
By planning this out, you can minimize the uncertainty and risks encountered during a hurricane, keeping everyone's safety and well-being accounted for ahead of time.
Put Together a Survival Kit with Essential Items
In case of an emergency evacuation, it’s best to have a hurricane survival kit ready and waiting to be taken. There are some key items you should include to make sure that everyone is well prepared.
Non-perishable food and drinking water – Try to pack enough food and water for each person in your household for three to five days.
First-aid supplies – Ensure that you have a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes necessary items like bandages of different sizes and shapes, antibiotic ointment, gauze, scissors, tweezers, and any prescription medication.
Flashlight – In case you lose power during the storm, you’ll need a reliable source of light. You can’t depend on your phone’s light so pack a long-lasting flashlight with a strong beam instead.
Power bank and chargers – A power bank can restore your phone’s battery for any critical phone calls. Also pack charging cables for any essential electronic devices like laptops.
Cash & Credit Cards – Power outages can cause ATMs to stop working, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. Also, credit cards can be used for filling up gas tanks, food and any other needs.
Important documents – Keep important documents like insurance papers, passports, and birth certificates on hand. Store them in a safe waterproof container.
Personal hygiene items – It can be a good idea to pack some everyday hygiene items like toilet paper, soap, tissues, and toothbrushes to maintain personal hygiene. Other useful items include hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes.
Non-perishable food and drinking water – It's important to pack at least three days worth of sufficient food and water for each person in your household. In addition to basic food options such as canned goods, granola bars, and bagged snacks, water bottles with built-in filters or water purification tablets can also come in handy.
Additional items – Consider packing items like a portable radio, maps, emergency whistle, rain poncho, and sleeping bags, depending on your needs and situation. It's always best to prepare for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best.
Prepare Your Home
To best avoid damage, you must also prepare your home for a hurricane. Begin by securing or bringing inside any loose outdoor objects like furniture and outdoor umbrellas. These items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds, causing damage to your house and surrounding buildings.
Additionally, secure your windows with plywood or shutters to protect them from strong winds and debris. The intense winds and wild debris can shatter windows, which can cause injury and significant damage to your home.
If you have trees or shrubs near your home, trim them back to reduce the risk of damage from high winds. Remove any dead branches that could fall on your home, cars or people and become flying debris.
If you have any pets, ensure that they are brought inside the house in a safe location away from any windows.
Update Your Insurance Coverage
In the event of an oncoming hurricane, it's paramount to contact your insurance provider to confirm adequate coverage for your residence and possessions. If you're situated in a region prone to hurricanes, it is important to routinely review your insurance policy to protect your assets. Additionally, keep in mind that not all types of damage caused by hurricanes may be covered by standard homeowner’s policies – therefore, be aware of the details of your policy. By taking a proactive stance and understanding your policy, you can be better prepared for the unexpected and ensure the safety of your home and belongings.
Charge All of Your Electronics
Loss of power is an unfortunate reality of many hurricanes. Your electronic devices will be vital companions through the difficult times. To avoid getting caught in the dark, charge all of your electronic devices, such as your phone, tablet, and laptop, before the storm starts. Don't forget to check if your power banks are charged too, as they will come in handy if the power goes out.
Have Your Transportation Ready to Go
For a safe evacuation during a storm, a number of preparations should be made for your transportation. First, make sure that your car is parked in a secure location that is free from trees or other debris that could cause damage or block your exit. That way you can leave when you need to. Secondly, double check that you have a full tank of gas in your car at all times during storm season. You should have enough fuel to make it to your destination safely, so be sure to fill up your tank before the storm hits. With these preparations, you can be prepared for a smoother evacuation process and help keep you and your loved ones safe during inclement weather.
An Energy Supplier You Can Trust
By following the steps in our hurricane preparation guide, you and your family will be well-prepared. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. In case of an outage, contact your TDSP to find out when you can expect power to be restored.
Our friendly customer service team understands the stresses that come with hurricanes, and will support you in any way we can. Get in touch with our OnPoint Energy team and discover what we can offer you.