Okinawa, Japan, has its typhoons. California has its earthquakes. Twisters usually stick within tornado alley. The east coast has hurricane season. For each location and natural phenomenon type, there is a different type of preparedness. If you are relocating to the hurricane zone, you are new to this preparation. Don’t be left behind or left scrambling to prepare at the last minute – be prepared as soon as possible for hurricane season.
Hurricane season begins on May 15th in the North Pacific and begins June 1st in the Atlantic and Caribbean. The storm season lasts until November 30th.
Plan
If you are moving to one of the hurricane zones, once you know where you are living, it is time to prepare for the storms to arrive. If you wait until a storm is announced, you may be too late to find the materials or supplies you need.
Boards for Windows – this can be in the form of storm shutters on the home you can close or plywood to cover the windows. Do NOT wait until a storm is on its way to purchase these. If you do, there may not be any plywood left.
Emergency List – know which emergency numbers you need to call in the event of an emergency in your area. This goes beyond 911. If there is a flooding or power outage in your home, know where these need to be reported to.
Emergency Supply Kit – This kit is meant to provide care to every member of the family to survive for several days after a natural disaster. Ready.gov has a build-a-kit downloadable list to make your own kit. The basics are one gallon of water per person for several days, food for several days for each family member, battery-powered radio and flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, masks for potential dust, plastic sheeting, and duct tape, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, manual can opener, local maps, chargers and back up batteries for cell phone. It is also recommended to have basic tools of wrench or pliers to turn off utilities. Make sure to have matches and a fire extinguisher in the kit. Don’t forget about medicine for everyone in the family.
Grab and Go kit – If you do need to evacuate, these items are items you should carry with you should your home flood or be unable to reach it after the hurricane. Have a plastic container with important family documents, including birth and marriage certificates, cash, and prescription and non-prescription medication. Have several changes of clothes for each family member in the kit in addition to games, books, or entertainment for everyone in the family.
Nearest Hurricane Evacuation Route – this may seem like a crazy thing to be looking for when looking for your new home, but it is better to be familiar with it before you are in a mad rush to find it. In the event that a hurricane evacuation is announced, you will need to utilize the hurricane evacuation route. This usually includes reversing major roadways to allow for more traffic to leave than enter the evacuation zone. If your job is one that would require staying put in an emergency such as this, make sure your family knows the route, and you know where to avoid going. Each state lists the evacuation routes on its transportation website. Read more about using these routes on the FEMA website.
Get the Car Ready
If a hurricane is imminent, make sure to fill your car’s gas tank and move vehicles under cover like a carport or garage. If your car is in a garage, consider moving your emergency kit to the car so it is ready in case a hurricane evacuation is announced.
Prepare Your Home
As noted above, prepare the home by boarding and covering the windows. This protects you from shattered glass from winds.
Clean up the yard to avoid any potential debris being blown by the wind. Move bikes and outdoor equipment like a trampoline, grill, and lawn furniture inside.
Take care to trim any loose branches or trees that could hit the home.
Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for washing and flushing the toilet if water is lost.
If you see downed power lines near your home, turn off the power to your home.
Check the battery in the carbon monoxide detector to make sure it is working without electricity in case the power goes out or has to be turned off.
Watch versus Warning
According to the CDC, a hurricane watch is announced when hurricane conditions are possible in a stated area within 48 hours.
A hurricane warning is when hurricane-force winds are expected to occur in a stated area. The warnings are typically announced within 36 hours of expected landfall.
Among these two, the local area may also announce a hurricane evacuation timeline.
In Case of Evacuation
If you do have to evacuate your home, unplug devices and consider disconnecting power, gas and water to limit power surges and flooding. Follow the reported evacuation route, making sure to follow any emergency workers who may be directing traffic flow.
If Staying Home
If you stay home, make sure you can reach your emergency kit and necessary paperwork and medication. Do not leave your home to test the wind or waters – you are not Jim Cantore. Listen to the radio for any announcements, including an evacuation announcement.
If you are moving to an area prone to hurricanes, ask your new neighbors and locals where they recommend finding emergency supplies, where the hurricane routes are, and any other questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask ahead of hurricane season – this will keep you prepared for hurricane season.
