Survival Blog - Hurricane Preparedness

Survival Blog

Hurricane Preparedness

First, you should be prepared for hurricane season, especially if you’re in an area that has experienced hurricane activity before. You should have a disaster plan and an emergency kit. The kit should be in an easy to reach area that your whole family is aware of. If you have any special tools, teach your children how to use them in case of an emergency. You should have all your important documents, including birth certificates, social security cards, and wills in a safe or at least a file. You should be stocked with extra batteries, flash lights, a water and emergency food supply (do not use any food that is perishable and do not drink water that is not treated), a fuel source (make sure this fuel source is always stored properly), blankets, candles, matches and lighters, a generator if you can (which you can never use inside, even in a garage, because it could result in carbon monoxide poisoning), and if you have children, perhaps some board games or books to keep them occupied. It’s important to keep any important medications with you at all times. Also, don’t forget about your pet. Have extra food, a crate, and leashes to keep your pets safe. You should give your family members disaster plans and tell them where to meet and what to have with them in case of an emergency. They should all have a list of important contacts and their IDs. If you are prepared beforehand, it will be a lot smoother and more comfortable for you and your family.

During a hurricane, it is important to stay inside. Outside, floods and flying debris could cause harm. Flooding can bring with it serious disease and harmful chemicals. Listen to what officials tell you – they know where the danger zones are, so heed their warnings. Many people who don’t listen to authorities and wander into the danger zone suffer from injuries or in sometimes fatalities. Most fatalities are from flying glass and debris that cannot reach you if you are inside. However, if they tell you to evacuate, listen to them, and have a plan on where to go. If you’re not sure, there are several community centers or schools that offer sanctuary.

Once you are in a safe area, you just need to wait for the storm to pass. When in an especially vicious part of the storm, cover your head and neck. When it is relatively safe, but you still need to wait inside, be aware of what you eat. When the power goes out, don’t trust anything in your fridge. Bacteria will grow quickly in a refrigerator with no power and contaminated food can cause serious illness. If your home experiences any flooding, you should completely turn off all of your power and do not use electrical devices.

Unfortunately, storms are forces of nature and completely out of our control. You cannot prevent a storm from occurring, but you can be prepared, calm, and patient and it will make the whole experience much easier and less stressful.

To ready more about 2013 hurricane season click here.