Preparing for a Hurricane is pretty serious business. Since I live in the State of Florida it is very important for us to have a few basic around the house.
The first thing for anyone to do is not to panic but to stay calm. Listen to the news often to find out what is going on, the change of direction, the change of size, wind speed, you know important things like that that produce a hurricane.
It is always good to have an emergency packet on hand just for a hurricane. You need to have a radio, batteries(all sizes), flash light, first aide kit, rubbing alcohol, spare keys to all vehicles and your home, copies of all important papers, copies of all computer work(floppies), it also is good to have some medical crèmes and large bandages. You really need to make your emergency is made according to the needs of your family, in addition to the suggestions I have made. Have copies of all credit card information including phone numbers. Also a spare address book is good.
When a hurricane has been forecast to come your way with a direct hit, you need to take heed to any and all warnings. Pay attention to what the local forecasters and the local police and sheriff offices are saying. Most likely the Mayor of your town will make a decision on whether or not there will be an evacuation or not. Some people will leave no matter what. Some people will stay. That is a personal choice I suppose.
You need to tape your windows(in the design of an X) with masking tape. You can also nail boards over your windows and doors. You can use plywood for this. Some of us actually have plywood already bought and cut and ready to go. Some of us wait until the last minute. It is really a good idea to have the wood ready to go if you can afford it. (Watch for plywood to come on sale.) You would only need to nail the windows if you are leaving the area.
The day of the evacuation, should there be one, make sure you know the route that you will need to take. Major highways sometimes become and “out” only meaning all traffic will travel, all lanes going out of town. Make sure that you understand that if you live in a mobile home that you will be forced to leave. Don’t argue with the police about this, mobile homes will be the first to go from the high hurricane winds and tornadoes that can come from hurricanes. I live in a doublewide mobile home and I am not stupid, I will leave with no questions.
Also make sure you know where the shelters will be in your area. Some people stay in shelters instead of leaving the town all together. Schools and churches are generally used. And remember shelters do not take pets or all of your household belongings either so don’t take them.
On the day of the evacuation, check your emergency kit and make sure that you have all you need in it. You will also need to get bottled waters, diapers for infants, infant milk and foods, non perishable items, bread, condiments, snacks, games for the kids, your important papers, although you had copies of them in the kit, it is a good idea to get the originals if you remember to do so. If not then you have the copies. If you have any titles to any vehicles then get those as well and any insurance papers. Get all medications, be sure and check if they need refilling. However, now days you can go into any chain pharmacy and get your prescriptions refilled while traveling so if you forget it’s okay. You need to make sure you have dry clothes and shoes, undies and socks. Some toiletries, toilet paper, trash bags, pet food for your pets and be sure you get all your jewelry.
For the most part you would take what you do as if you were going a vacation of some kind. It’s pretty simple really. You know how you pack to go off from home, so use your common sense. You just need to remember those important papers, batteries, etc.
Remember to get cash, if the power is lost the ATM’s will not work. It is good to keep some cash in your emergency kit. Be sure you have band-aides and bandages. Also it is good to keep extra fuses for your vehicles in this kit. Also, keep tools in your vehicles you may need them. (See I told you it was like going on vacation because most of us are going to make sure we already have these items in our vehicles anyway.)
Remember you will need to patient because if you have waited until the last minute to leave the crowd going out of town is going to be a long one. When Hurricane Floyd came by us here in Florida, my work took my family to Atlanta Georgia; we got there the normal amount of time in traveling because we got to leave the night before. The next day when it became mandatory to leave it took some of my co-workers over 16 hours to get to Atlanta. So be prepared for the worse.
Take the warnings seriously folks; hurricanes are not anything to play around with. Stay out of the water, out of the boats, and get out of town if necessary.
If you are going to ride the storm out be sure you still have the above handy. You will need it. Blankets are also good to keep around as well as pillows. Remember your pets! And most hotels will not take them so you will have to make some kind of arrangements for them. Mostly you will have to leave them, cats, dogs, birds, horses, cow, pigs, etc can take care of themselves in a storm. They are equipped to do so.
You may also want to check into getting flood insurance, your local insurance company will know if your area of residence qualifies for this type insurance. Some areas do not because it is not necessary. Make sure that your insurance is all paid up.
Pay attention to all of those around you, don’t get in a hurry, and do not panic! Keep informed with the hurricane and remember the hurricane is your friend; it’s coming for dinner and possibly it will eat your entire home! (A little humor is always good.)
Should you take a direct hit please try to be prepared for a complete loss of home and all belongings you left behind.
Also, if you are staying behind and riding out the storm make sure that you have all lose items secured in your yard. Don’t leave anything that can become a deadly missile! And remember that hurricane emergency kit that you have? Don’t forget to keep it close as well. And it is good sense to check it once a year. Batteries do go dead just sitting still.
One other thing, tornadoes can and do occur with hurricanes, so should you encounter one get into a deep ditch if you can. If not get under the heaviest piece of furniture in your home or in the bathroom. Take blankets and pillows and flashlights with you into the bathroom. Take flashlights with you out side. The worse part about a hurricane or one of the tornadoes is that they happen at night. This is a most horrible experience. I know this first hand. I have lived thus far in my life through 5/6 hurricanes with tornadoes to boot! They are deadly and should be take that way.
Just remember to stay calm, use your common sense, make that emergency kit, get copies of all important papers, get your jewelry, think about your pet, pack for a vacation, get flashlights, board up the home if you are able, if not, tape the windows, gas up, get cash, get diapers, get blankets, pillows, medication, food, water, shoes, clothes, medications. You know common sense stuff.
I am sure that I left some things out. Please feel free to leave a comment with other suggestions. And remember, I live in the state of Florida; we offer hurricanes in the summer months and long Presidential Elections in the winter months. I know this to be true.
I hope that this has helped in some kind of way.
God Bless!
