If you live on the east coast, chances are that you will be hit by a hurricane. Only by keeping your eyes on the local and National Weather forecasters you can stay safe. You will have a chance to face whatever Mother Nature brings. Even if you are following the forecasts 24/7 in order for surviving a hurricane, the first thing you have to do is to educate yourself. It’s better to know in advance how to deal with a hurricane and acquire the knowledge of people who went through a hurricane experience.
The following tips will provide you with essential information as it is better to be safe than sorry.
20 Tips for Surviving a hurricane
1.Checking your home for vulnerabilities
You need to check your home and establish the vulnerability to a storm, surge, flooding, and wind. These hazards could affect your family in various ways. It’s better to prevent and fix the vulnerabilities of your house.
If you don’t know much about constructions you can always ask for the help of a contractor for a better evaluation.
2. Know your AO (area of operation)
Surviving a hurricane requires for you to know your surroundings. Learn about your area and figure out your community hurricane evacuation routes. You should know how to find and get to higher ground as fast as possible.
Your family should have a detailed plan of where to go and how to get there if you need to evacuate.
3.Think about establishing a safe room
Your house needs to have a safe room or a safe area for hurricane hazards. Everyone should be aware of it and how to get there during a hurricane threat. Many people have built their own safe room by following online videos and reading various resources.
If you want to increase your chances of surviving a hurricane think about such DIY project.
4. Surviving a hurricane requires a meeting point for all
You and your family should plan escape routes from your home, but most importantly, places to meet. A hurricane may hit when the members of your family are not at home (work, school, etc.).
It should contain places within a short distance of 10 miles or less in case you have to walk to the destination (especially for youngsters).
5. Contact info and tracking
Emergency telephone numbers should be placed in sight. Your kids should know how and when to call 911.
With today’s mobile phones and GPS tracking, you should always be aware of your family members whereabouts.
6. Don’t neglect First Aid training
You and your family should take First Aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes every time you have the chance. It’s better to educate yourself and be prepared. This, considering that some of these classes are free and are often organized by the local community.
7. Reinforce your home before the hurricane hits
Secure your home so that it can withstand strong storms. Windows and doors can be boarded up in case of an emergency. Patio furniture should be placed inside. Everything that is not encased or properly stored should be packed carefully. Surviving a hurricane is your main goal, but also think about the rebuilding stage.
8. Do some yard work
Check your trees and shrubs around your house. They shpould all be well-rotted and they should be well-trimmed to resist high winds. Also, make sure that there aren’t any rotten trees. In high winds, trees and shrubs can become projectiles. Also, if you trim your trees and shrubs the right way, you won’t have to do much cleaning after the storm.
9. Know the topography of your AO
Learn what the elevation level of your propriety is and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you to take the right decision based on how your propriety will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted.
10. Draining is often neglected
Make sure you have cleared loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts otherwise you will be flooded. Depending on the topography in your area, you shouldn’t neglect this aspect.
11. Think about having electricity afterward
It’s always good to have a ready to install a generator in case the power goes out. You can buy a new one if you can afford it. If not, you can look for used ones to save money and Craiglist could help. After surviving a hurricane, you should be prepared for the aftermath.
You don’t know how long the utilities will be down and you need to take care of yourself. A good generator will make your life much easier.
Related article: Generator Safety Rules To Implement Before A Natural Disaster Occurs
12. Secure important documents
Secure all the important family papers and special items.
Use plastic bags to keep dry your:
- social security cards,
- birth certificates,
- titles or deeds to propriety
- even insurance policies.
Some people store their valuable stuff in the dishwasher since it’s waterproof.
13. Learn how to deal with insurance companies
Since the insurance companies are not always your “best friend”, make sure you take videos or photos of your propriety before you evacuate.
It will help you a lot, later on with claims if your propriety has suffered any damage. After surviving a hurricane there will be a lot of “arguing” with the insurance companies. Make your life easier and document everything you own.
14. Friends and family before hotels
When you evacuate, the safest stay will be with relatives in another town or safer area. Not to mention a lot cheaper. If you don’t have any relatives, make sure you have in your car a list of hotels and directions on how to get there. You will have to book a room and it’s better to be prepared.
15. Don’t abandon your pets!
If you have pets, it’s best to not leave them behind as they are a family member, right?
You and your family should have a plan for your pets. If you have to take them with you, make sure the motels or the hotels from your list are pet friendly. Check local shelters from safer areas, it’s better than boarding them in.
16. A bag out bag is essential
Have a basic bug out bag ready in your closet for each family member.
The bug out bag should include:
- clothes,
- sleeping gear (if you plan to go to a temporary shelter),
- food and water,
- commodity items (whatever your kids like).
Those comodity items will help your kids deal better with the experience.
17. Emergency kits and disaster tool kits
You need to have a Hurricane Emergency Kit, regardless if you evacuate or if you are boarded in. It should contain: extra cash, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable foods, canned goods, a multi-tool knife, candles, prescription medicines or any other healing remedies you use regularly.
Also, think of items that are indispensable for your kids or small children (favorite toy, baby wipes, diapers, baby food, etc). The same goes for tools and other items to help you rebuild or fix stuff. This article will help you figure it all out.
18. Secure your boat
If you own a boat you will have to plan ahead and determine how and where to secure it. A hurricane will be the end for your both if not secured properly and without a good insurance it will give your budget a big blow.
19. Stay indoors
Don’t go outside during the storm! There are many accidents happening because people want to take pictures or film the storm to post it on Facebook. Why would you risk your safety for that? Stay indoors and film from there, it is safe and dry.
20. Building materials are needed
Stock up on plywood from time, it’s always better to stockpile it as it can be used for various purposes. Not to mention that it will be a hot commodity for those who will not evacuate. Even better if you can afford it, you can install plywood hurricane shutters. The same goes for every material you will need for fixer-uppers and other jobs (cleaning, cooking, etc.).
As I said before, after surviving a hurricane, the rebuilding process will take a lot of time. Time you shouldn’t be wasting on errands to buy construction materials and similar stuff.
A last word
Your chances of surviving a hurricane will increase if you learn these tips and apply them when the situation requires you to do so. You should share this article with your friends. This is important knowledge that someday, may save lives. Surviving a hurricane is not just a matter of luck, it’s a matter of prepping for such disasters.
Stay Safe and God Bless!
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