If you live in an area that is at risk for hurricanes, you owe it to yourself and your family to be responsible and prepared for such an event. Have a plan in place and have the things you need in case disaster strikes. Flashlights with fully charged batteries, blankets, and extra food and water to last you for at least a few days - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure you also have enough medications and vitamins to last you for at least three days.
Technology can become vital after a storm. Prepare yourself and download apps to notify others your location so that you can find each other. There are apps that can alert you to others around you that can help you or in need of help. Along with various weather apps, the Red Cross has a first aid app that can be extremely useful before, during, and after a damaging storm.
There are also things you can do to your home to help protect it. Hurricane shutters are an obvious safety choice. However, if you don't have them you can use plywood to cover the windows. This can help keep them from shattering and causing damage. Make sure to clear gutters. This can reduce damage from heavy rains. Talk with your family about an evacuation plan. Talk about where to meet and how to find each other in the event of an emergency. Find out your nearest shelter location.
Hurricanes often have a path they follow and weather experts can often predict their paths. However, they do change course. If you are in the path or might be at risk, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If a storm is on the horizon, put as many perishables as you can into a cooler filled with ice. Use cooler to keep from opening freezer, especially if the power goes out. Fill bathtub with water to use for washing, drinking, and flushing the toilet. Water supplies are often compromised in the days after a storm. Make sure you have plenty of gas on hand for your generator. Turn off electricity gas and water.
Make sure to have a hand held can opener, a weather radio, extra batteries, and a first aid kit. Listen to NOAA weather radio for important updates. Keep your cell phone and chargers close by. Know where a set of extra house and car keys are located. Don't forget to store important documents in watertight container for safekeeping. And last but not least, be patient
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