How to Prepare for a Hurricane
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes are getting stronger and more frequent, so even the small ones can bring the pain. Being prepared can lower your family’s risk of injury, death, or loss of property in the event that a roided out tropical storm hunts you down.
Hurricane Facts
Tropical storms are upgraded to hurricane status once wind speeds reach 74mph.
Category 5 hurricanes have 157+mph winds that fully destroy the areas they hit. Houses? Poof! Gone.
Winds calm down as storms move inland, but in extreme cases, you might feel hurricane force winds as far as 150 miles inland.
Storm surge and flooding mean that as many as 88% of hurricane deaths in the US are attributable to water.
Once it hits land, a hurricane can also produce tornadoes. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your natural disaster needs!
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
- Create a hurricane preparedness kit or purchase a prepackaged kit. Either way, make sure to maintain it.
- Check your flood risk, and consider purchasing flood insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flooding.
- Put up boards or storm shutters to protect your windows from flying debris.
- Move your valuables to higher floors to protect them from flooding.
- Strap down or enclose any loose objects outdoors. Trim weak tree limbs, especially near your roof. Don’t give them to the wind!
- Make an emergency communication plan to keep in touch and reunite if separated.
- Hold regular hurricane drills involving the whole family, including your pets!
It’s a Seasonal Treat
- Hurricane season on the East Coast is June 1st to November 30th.
- Hurricane season on the West Coast is May 15th to November 30th.
Check Your Risk By State
Hurricanes are most common in the Southeast. Here’s the list of DANGER STATES:
- Florida
- Texas
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Louisiana
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Mississippi
Don’t Enter Floodwaters
Never drive or walk in flooded areas unless it’s an emergency. There are too many dangers to risk it. Turn around; don’t drown.
Don’t Waste Time
If you’re told to evacuate, don’t wait to see what happens, like many people do. Evacuating later may not be possible, so do it while you can.
Don’t Forget your Stay Bag
Evacuation may not be necessary, but hurricanes often have lengthy clean-ups, which could mean days at home without power.