EVERYMAN'S GUIDE TO HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

 Two important dates to remember: June 1st and November 30 of any year.  In between those two dates is hurricane season and if you are new to the area and have never experienced a hurricane, then this blog is for you.

You may have studied about hurricanes or typhoons in science class, but until you have lived through a hurricane or typhoon "is and are" are two different words. (Note: Typhoons occur in the Pacific Ocean west of the International Date Line.)

What can you do to prepare for a severe weather incident like a hurricane?

!. Understand that PREPARE is the key word here. Many radio and television stations offer hurricane preparedness guidebooks to their listeners.  In these guides the reader will find practical steps you can take to prepare their residence for the oncoming storm. The guide will enumerate a list of standard items to have on hand (and within quick access) prior to the storm.  

Items would include:

a. Enough bottled water for all your household for at least one week.

b. Batteries for portable radios, flashlights, and battery-operated clocks.

c. First aid supplies in the event anyone is injured during the storm or during cleanup efforts.

d. Food items that do not require refrigeration and can be prepared on a camp stove or backyard grill. 

2. Have a plan in the event you must evacuate your home.  During a hurricane storm shelters are provided by the county in which you live, but they quickly fill up.  Have a destination in mind out of harm's way to weather the storm.  

3. Have a pet plan.  Your pet is a part of your family so make certain that if you evacuate to a hotel or evacuation shelter, they will accept pets.

4. IMPORTANT: Keep all important papers in a waterproof container and take it with you should you have to leave your home.  Items to secure would be:

a. marriage license, b. birth certificates and adoption papers, c. homeowner's insurance policy(s), d. deed to your home, e. social security card, f. health insurance card, g. any other document you may need.

Bottom Line:  Any and all the items mentioned above can be stockpiled months in advance of hurricane season. Being prepared is the first step to surviving hurricane season.