Hurricane Preparations Begin Months in Advance
Prepare Early for the Storm Season While Supplies are Plentiful
Apr 13, 2009
A hurricane is the strongest storm on Earth. The massive cyclonic formation of wind and rain gathers size and strength as it moves over warm tropical waters. Hurricanes are measured in category strengths, ranging from 74 mph maximum sustained winds in a low Category 1 hurricane to a Category 5 hurricane producing 155 mph or greater maximum sustained winds.
Hurricanes are deadly storms as evidenced by the destruction left behind from Hurricanes Katrina, Camille, Andrew, Charley, to name just four notable storm disasters. Hurricane survivors know how important it is that residents living in hurricane zones be prepared. For those who choose to ride out a storm, preparations should begin long before the storm season arrives.
Make Exterior Home and Property Repairs Early
- Repair or Replace Things That Are Loose, Missing or Broken. Spring is the perfect time to prepare the outside of a home for tropical weather ahead. Repairs made now could save thousands of dollars when high winds and driving rains hit later on. Don't forget repairs to the garage, shed, workshop, barn, and any other outdoor buildings.
- Clean Out the Garage. The space will be needed to store vehicles, plus patio and lawn furniture, large plants, grills, lawnmowers, and whatever else can't be tied down during a storm.
- Buy Tools, Generators, and Accessories. Purchase a gas chain saw and a generator, and learn how to use both before storm season begins. Don't forget safety glasses, extra gas cans, and gloves.
- Yard Maintenance. Trim broken limbs from trees. Clear the yard of any debris that could become a projectile during a storm.
- Maintain Vehicles. Keep the family vehicle in shape for a lengthy trip out of town. Don't forget to regularly check the tires, including the spare.
Make a Plan to Store Vehicles and Manage Livestock
- Boats and Trailers, Motor Homes. Have a storage plan ready to put into action to protect these costly investments.
- Animals. Plan to evacuate animals during major hurricanes; otherwise stock plenty of feed ahead of time for livestock.
Gather Disaster Supplies While Items are Plentiful
- Plywood. Buy sheets of plywood to board windows while the getting is good.
- Food Supplies. Buy canned foods, jar baby foods, granola bars, cereals, and other non-perishable items. Check freshness dates on cereals and snack foods, and replace as needed. Keep a non-electric can opener where it can be easily located.
- Charcoal Grill, Grill Lighter, and Charcoal. Propane may be hard to come by during the weeks following a storm.
- Bottled Water. Buy a few cases every few weeks between spring and summer to get the jump on everyone else.
- Batteries. Stock up early for flashlights, portable electronics, and radios.
- Cell Phone Charger for Cars. Very handy for charging cell phones when the power is out for days or weeks at a time.
- Land Line Telephone. An old-fashioned plug-into-the-wall telephone costs about $15. It's not uncommon to still have phone service even when the electricity is still out. Cordless phones are useless when there is no power.
- First Aid Kit. Buy a kit ready-made or make a first-aid kit to suit your family's needs.
More Hurricane Preparations to Consider
- Plan an Escape Route. Make a list of items to take in the event of an evacuation, such as the firebox containing important papers, medications, clothing, special dietary items, cash, baby items, and so forth.
- Special-Needs Arrangements. Make arrangements with client support agencies before the hurricane season begins. Persons that depend on life-support equipment such as oxygen may need special services to evacuate.
- Family Pet Plan. Shelters do not take pets. Kennels may not take animals when there is risk of a major storm. Many hotels won't allow pets, either. Plan well ahead to manage animals and make sure pets are suitably caged for transport.
- Neighbors. Consider helping a neighbor who is elderly or a person who is disabled make hurricane arrangements.
- Money. Squirrel away a hurricane allowance–extra cash–to cover things not planned for.
- Emergency Contact. Choose a relative or friend to contact who will have information on you and your family's whereabouts.
- CPR and Basic First Aid. Take these courses or update certificates. Knowing what to do when someone gets hurt could mean the difference between life and death.
Anyone who has weathered a hurricane knows preparing for a storm is not an option, but is a matter of survival. Damaging winds and storm surge can cause major destruction and flooding to homes and properties. After the storm has passed, the most basic utilities and services could be out of service for weeks. Preparations take time and money. Southern residents know it's wise to start collecting supplies months in advance to avoid empty store shelves and long checkout lines when the threat of a hurricane becomes real.
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