When living in the Caribbean, there are few things as important as hurricane preparedness. These ten simple steps can help you weather the storm.
1. Evacuation Planning
One of the main reasons people have to evacuate is from a storm surge, which is a huge wave generated by winds. The wave can reach over 20 feet high so you really need to know if you will have to evacuate.
2. Evacuation Area
It is really important to find out if you live in an evacuation area, which refers to a place in which people have to leave their homes and go to a safe spot. Local governments have information about these areas and you should learn this information in advance.
3. Shelters
Contact CEDERA to learn about your local hurricane preparedness plan. The plan normally includes the evacuation routes and shelters. Pets may not be allowed in the shelters for space and safety reasons. Contact your local humane society for more information.
4. Buy Necessary Supplies
One of the main mistakes in hurricane preparation is not buying hurricane survival items early enough. Just prior to a storm, everything you need may not be available or is sold out. And when the hurricane hits, you won’t be able to get any supplies.
5. Prepare A Supply Kit
It is recommended to prepare a supply kit that includes water, food, and clothing for at least three days. The most often forgotten supplies are medicines and insurance certificates.
6. Prepare Your Home
Check your flood insurance. If you can afford it, you should get it. Standard policies don’t cover damages from hurricanes. And remember that there is usually a 30-day period before your new flood insurance becomes effective.
7. Retrofit Your House
Consider renovating your house so it can withstand water and the wind. Elevate equipment under your house, install aluminum storm shutters, reinforce latches and doors, and add sturdy shingles and hurricane clips to make the roof storm resistant. These steps will help prevent the high winds from tearing apart your house.
8. Educate Your Children
Your children and family members should know how to turn off water, electricity, and gas. Teach your kids to call 911, the fire department and police and tell them where they can read about emergency information.
9. Make Copies Of Documents
You should always ensure that you have copies of proof of ownership documents, such as cars, home, and boat. Store these documents in your hurricane kit that doesn’t risk being damaged.
10. Take Care Of Transportation
If you don’t have your own vehicle, make arrangements with your friends and family members and don’t forget about your pets. You need to be sure that everyone is covered, so make contact with everyone who is separated and think of a safe place to meet, away from the evacuation area.
With these 10 tips, you will be ready when the hurricane hits and you won’t be worried about being unprepared for it.
Deb Pearl
Thank you for all the tips for hurricane preparedness. My husband and I moved into an area where some hurricanes are common, and I have been wondering what we should do to prepare. I really like your idea of getting storm shutters for our home. I think that would be a great way to prepare for a storm!