Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide

Hurricane season is upon us and the best thing you can do to be safe is to prepare for it before it starts. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, but for the past 7 years season has started earlier. There are five categories for hurricanes, ranging from category 1 where some damage is expected to category 5, where catastrophic damage is imminent to happen. There are seven easy steps that you can take now to make sure you are ready when the storm hits:

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1. Determine your risk
   Take a moment right now to determine what type of wind and water hazards could happen where you live. Here are the most common types of hazards: Storm surge, tornadoes, rip currents, strong winds, and flooding.

2. Develop an evacuation plan
   This is one of the most important steps because it can save your life. Know your evacuation zone and plan several routes. Have a go bag of supplies to go with you and plan for your pets.

3. Get all your disaster supplies ready
   Have food and water available, make sure that you have all your medications ready to go with you, don’t wait till last minute to fill your prescriptions. Keep your gas tank full and make sure you have cash on hand. I usually have a gym bag with the following in it: a couple of flashlights, a pouch with different size batteries, extra phone chargers that are exclusive to keep in my hurricane bag, two solar power banks, a first aid kit, a multipurpose tool, hand sanitizer, and easy to carry snacks.

4. Check up your insurance
   Take copies of your insurance with you and check if you need flood insurance.

5. Get your home ready
   Things important to consider if a storm is hitting your area: cover windows, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items, move your car to a secure location, and lock your doors.

6. Help your neighbors
   Have your neighbors’ contact information to offer help and check on them after storms. Make sure they have your information as well.

7. Have a written plan
   Have a contact list, keep your important documents together in case you need them in a rush, share your plan with other people to make sure everyone is on the same page and so they know where you’ll be going.

   Hurricanes can be scary, but as long as you are prepared and listen to the authorities giving instructions you should be fine.