Hurricane Preparation is the Key to Hurricane Survival

Proper Preparation Before the Hurricane Can Save You and Your Family During the Storm

If nothing else, the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons have shown the world the importance of not only evacuating before hurricanes make landfall, but also of the importance of properly preparing for them.

Despite the lives lost and the devastating destruction that hurricanes leave behind there will always be those who refuse to leave their homes. Whatever the reasons, and for most they are quite personal, you need to be sure that you are as prepared for the aftermath of the hurricane as you can possibly be. The general rule of thumb has always been to have enough food to last 7 days minimum without power and/or water. Last summer we learned that this is not often adequate but 7 days worth is a good start and much better than not being prepared at all.

For the exterior of your home, use common sense and clear any debris, lawn ornaments, plants, tools, toys, and furniture that could potentially become missiles propelled by the devastating winds of a hurricane. You want to board your windows so that flying glass doesn't become a hazard inside your home; I highly recommend that you purchase Ploylox window clips to make this process easier. Move vehicles up to higher ground on your property if you are at risk of flooding, and as we learned last year, if you are near any body of water during a hurricane you are at risk of flooding and the closer you are to the water, the higher your risk of the deadly and devastatingly destructive tidal surge (which seems to be particularly devastating in Gulf Coast regions because of the shallow waters).

For the survival of your family, there are several things you want to make sure you have inside your home.

1) Flashlights and extra batteries. A good rule of thumb is one working flashlight for each family member. This is one case though when more is more and not a bad idea. Hide the extras somewhere that is high and hopefully will remain dry.

2) Weather radio with extra batteries. This will provide you with lifesaving information about what is going on not only weather wise but also community wise during the aftermath. This will be your lifeline to the outside world should you find yourself cut off for a while.