How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. While storms do come in other monthsof the year, the majority of tropical depressions and hurricanes will occur during this time. Because of the threats that hurricanes present, it is very important that you are aware of the dangers of the storm and take every precaution to prepare for the threats that the storm poses. The key is to prepare ahead of time. When a storm is forecast to hit your area, most stores will sell out of necessary emergency items very quickly.

Most importantly, it is critical that you have an emergency kit packed. Your emergency kit should be located in a convenient and easy to find place. Any member of the family should be able to get to the emergency kit. To prepare your kit, think about the things that you would need if you were without heat, food, water or power for days or even weeks. You should have jugs of drinking water, canned foods, dry goods, a flashlight, batteries, battery powered television or radio, lighter, matches, candles and a manual can opener. It is very likely that your power will go out during a hurricane. Candles, flashlights and lighters will be the only source of light that you have during this time. It is very important to be able to receieve news and weather updates, so a battery powered radio or television is a must. Jugs of water can be stored for extremely long periods of time and there is no such thing as having too much water. You will need it for bathing, drinking and possible cooking.

Another important item to have is an "important papers" box. This box should include marriage licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, homeowners information, insurance information, wills and any other important documents that you might need. If an evacuation has been ordered, you should always take the box of important papers with you. It is likely that the hurricane could damage your area and you would need these papers.