Living in Florida, it is a reality that every year from June 1 through November 1 is “Hurricane Season” – and I am unfortunately not speaking of the delicious beverage that bears the same name. I didn’t look forward to learning how to prepare for a hurricane, that’s for sure!
During the first few years living here in the Sunshine State, I had heard about hurricanes and I believe we may have gotten some rain and winds but thankfully nothing too severe. Then came Frances. We prepared and “hunkered down” with my parents and mother-in-law. I was newly pregnant with my oldest son. We actually told my mother-in-law that we were expecting over a candlelit dinner – the candlelight was not a mood-setter, it was because the power went out. From what I remember the power was out for one day, not bad considering there were many without power for days.
Then came Wilma the next year in October. N was only 6 months old. We read up on how to even better prepare for a hurricane and I am so glad we did. Wilma did major damage in our area. Trees down, flooding, no electricity for almost a week (and we were lucky – some people went for WEEKS without power). Lines at the gas stations were hours long. Thankfully we prepared.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
When I talk about how I prepare for a hurricane, it involves the following steps:
BE INFORMED
Stay tuned to the news. I check the National Hurricane Center’s website throughout the day when something pops up on the radar.
In a time of crisis, you also need to know your community and your service providers. Power outages amidst hurricanes are common (especially where I live) and could cause serious problems. Knowing you’re with the best electric company with efficient customer service who will quickly get the power going again will give you peace of mind when this happens.
When our power goes out, we use a generator!
MAKE A PLAN
Our plan includes:
- Deciding how we are going to communicate with our out-of-state family. Nowadays, texting is easier than talking on the phone because you can create a “group text” and inform multiple people at once about your safety. Technology has allowed us to prepare for a hurricane a bit easier, for sure!
- Create a fire escape plan that has 2 ways out of each room.
- Choose a meeting spot near our home.
- Choose a meeting spot outside of our neighborhood.
- Collect all important documents and store them in a waterproof container.
- Insurance documents
- Wills
- Any deeds, stocks, etc.
- Passports
- Medical records
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Inventory of all valuables. I like to also take photos of everything. In each room, I take photos, including the state of the walls and ceilings should any damage occur during the storm. Upload the photos to a cloud or Dropbox.
BUILD A KIT
Our hurricane preparedness kit includes:
- Extra batteries for all of our flashlights
- Water – Store one gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and one gallon for food prep and sanitation. Fill any extra pitchers with fresh water.
- Non-perishable foods and beverages such as granola bars, shelf-stable milk, bread, peanut butter, canned goods
- Paper goods (plates, napkins, cups, etc.)
- Cash (ATMs may not work when the electricity goes out and/or the stores’ credit card machines won’t work without it either!)
- All needed prescription medications
- Pet food, treats, and medications – don’t forget about your furry family members!
- First Aid kit – adhesive bandages, thermometer, hand sanitizer, alcohol swabs, cold back, antibacterial ointment, small scissors, tweezers
- Manual can opener
- Gasoline for the generator
- Extension cords
- Electric and battery-operated fans (electric ones will be plugged into the generator)
3 TIPS YOU MAY NOT KNOW
Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and freezer to ensure your food stays at a food safe temperature (40° F or lower in the fridge and 0° F or lower in the freezer). Freeze a few gallons of milk and any other refrigerated items that you may not need right away.
Did you know that you can use your washing machine as a cooler? Once the power goes out, fill the washer basin with ice and your food. The melted ice will drain out with your next wash!
Contaminated water is NO joke. If you cannot boil the water, you can add bleach to disinfect it! Use 1/8 teaspoon of unscented bleach to each gallon of water. You have to let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
GET INVOLVED
If you have any elderly or people with disabilities in your neighborhood, see if you can help them prepare.
Have you been through a natural disaster? I hope not, but if so, what did you do to prepare for it?
Mom Life Optimized says
Very timely information!! We are on the west coast and no threats here for now, but my family is all out there and it can be very scary!
Dana says
Thank you! I will keep your family in my thoughts!!
Michelle says
It must be terrifying to be in that situation, there are some awesome tips here! Thanks for sharing x
Dana says
It is really quite scary, Michelle. As long as you are prepared you should be OK!
Prabashi says
Wow this is terrifying to read. I can’t imagine if it ever happened in Canada how will survive. I hope prayers are with all
Dana says
Prabashi, I agree. I think that if you were to live in a location that is prone to hurricanes, you’d be well-prepared.
Danielle says
So many great tips. I honestly had no idea to use your washer as a cooler!! I think it is so important to make a plan as well. Thanks for this information.
Dana says
Thank you, Danielle! I love the idea about the washer. I just read about it and had to add it to my list. I just hope I never have to actually do it 😉
Jasmine Hewitt says
we live in coastal georgia. hurricane prep is a very real reality here. these are on point tips!
Dana says
Thank you, Jasmine! Are there any other tips you would add to the list?
Christa says
This is such important information. I live far from hurricanes, but have friends and family that are currently dealing with one. I hope you make it to November without needing to implement any of these great tips.
Sam says
This is very timely as I’m located in Charlotte & preparing for Hurricane Florence. I just learned about putting ice in a washer machine a few days ago. It’s a good idea to have a meeting place should something happen.
Dana says
Sam I hope you fared well in the hurricane!!
Emily says
Eeek! This is so important for those who live in hurricane prone areas! Where I live, we have to mostly worry about tornados!
Dana says
How do you prep for tornadoes, Emily? Can you prep? I know you don’t get as much warning as one does with an impending hurricane.
Laura says
Thank God we don’t get them in here. Its so scary! x
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says
Really important guidance and we hope Florence didn’t hit you guys as hard as reported 🙁
Dana says
Thank you! I know. Thankfully we are not in the path but I’m praying for those who are.
Pati Robins says
thank you so much for this information my friend , i hope everyone is safe from hurricane Florence i never myself experienced it , but its good to be prepared
Dana says
I hope so too, Pati.
Kisha says
These are all great tips! I’ve seen so many people preparing for the hurricane, I think they would have benefitted from reading this first!
Dana says
I hope so! Hurricanes are scary and there is a lot to do in preparation. The only good thing is that you are given ample time to prep.
Nati says
I have never gone through a natural disaster but I’ve read your article with great attention, I think your tips are really wise indeed!
Dana says
Thanks, Nati!
Kara says
Living in the UK, we don’t experience anything on this level – so great to be prepared
Dana says
You’re lucky Kara! 🙂
Stephanie says
Great info! I live in Chicago so we don’t get hurricanes BUT I was in NYC when hurricane Sandy hit on 2012 and this info would have been super helpful then. I recall the most important item for me at that time was access to a radio because it was the only way to get the latest local info. It also could go on battery as the electricity was OUT. This stuck out to me at the time because I never thought they would be so important.
Dana says
I was in NY too for Sandy! That was my first hurricane ever!