Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane preparedness starts long before the hurricane. Here in South Florida , in the Bahamas, and along the entire east coast of the US, hurricane season runs from June 30 till November 30th . Preparing well beforehand will bring you peace of mind and security throughout the entire year. Don't get caught wondering if this is the year, or watching hurricanes on TV move toward your unprotected home. Secure yourself and your property ahead of time.

Steps for hurricane preparedness: Before: Acquire quality storm shutters to cover every opening on your home. Stock a hurricane kit with both food and other supplies. Review and restock at the beginning of each hurricane season. On Approach of Hurricane: Prepare your homes' storm shutters. Review your hurricane kit and fill all water containers including bathtubs and sinks. Determine your evacuation route in case an evacuation order is issued. After a Hurricane: Do not try to leave your home or get back to it until officials say it is ok to do so.

10 ESSENTIALS of a Hurricane Kit

• Food and Water * (enough food and water for each person in your family for at least one week. two week supply is better.)
• Flashlight(s)
• Radio (battery powered). While a boom box is good entertainment, a simple radio will run far longer on fewer batteries. This may be your only link to what is happening during or after a hurricane.
• Batteries . If power is out for days you will need batteries for flashlights, radios and any other electrical accessories.
• First Aid kit . Keep an additional or add your regular home first aid kit to your hurricane kit.
• Cooking source like a propane camp stove or Sterno. Charcoal may not be useful if it is raining.
• Cash . ATM and credit cards will not work if the power is out and things may cost a lot in a post storm situation while order is restored and new supplies brought in.
• Can opener . (non electric) and cooking/eating utensils.
• Basic tools . Some basic tools including a utility knife and a pair of pliers can come in quite handy and you do not want to be hunting around a dark house for them if needed.
• Important documents . Have copy of your homeowners insurance policy and other vital info such as health insurance cards/policy, financial records etc. Getting back on your feet after a catastrophic storm will be faster and easier with this information.

Also, make a list of the “obvious stuff” you would want to save if all else was going to be lost such as photos and other mementos before hand so you are not stressed about assembling it when the time comes. Of course the more secure your home the more secure you can feel that your family and belongings will be safe during and after a storm. Do not wait to prepare!

Food and Water preparation

• Canned goods such as tuna, meat, vegetables, and fruit can be stored for long periods. It may not be what you eat day to day but it will store and it will be there when needed.
• Rice can also be stored in a plastic container such as a 2-liter soda bottle and provide a water tight, long term storage source of food.
• Water. Fill all water containers. Most people will require 1 gallon of water per day for drinking and cooking. Also fill bathtubs and sinks for bathing water in case water supply is off for days after storm.
• Paper plates and plastic utensils are handy and can be stored with the kit ahead of time.
• Ice. Although short term, ice will enable you to keep your perishables fresh a little longer in the event of a pro-longed power outage. Eat perishables first.
• Toilet paper, trash bags, toothbrush. Stuff like you would bring camping.
• Pet food and supplies for your pet if you have one.

AccuWeather

FEMA.org

GEOS Satellite Imagery

National Weather Service