Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane

Hurricane season typically lasts from June 1 through November 30. This time of year is a concern for everyone. Being prepared is essential for dealing with any storms that might pop up during this time. Below you will find some helpful tips to help you and your loved ones be prepared in the event of a hurricane.At the beginning of hurricane season, you should:

1. Double check that the supplies in your hurricane preparedness kit are stocked and fresh.
2. If you have air beds, inflate them to make sure that no holes have occurred and patch or replace the beds if needed.
3. Make sure to check the expiration dates on food.
4. Check to make sure that your batteries are still good. You can do this with a battery tester or sometimes some batteries will have an indicator on the side.
5. If you do not have one, purchase a generator. It should be big enough to run the refrigerator, a lamp, fans and any medical equipment that is needed.
6. Have several 5-gallon gas cans with gas in them. Sometimes gas can be hard to find after a storm.
7. Trim or cut down trees that are close to your home to keep them from falling onto your house or car.
8. Have routine maintenance done on your cars.
9. Contact your insurance company to make sure that your policies are up to date and that you have flood insurance. Most standard home insurance policies do not cover flooding. You will want to make sure that you have that added protection.

The storm is coming, now what?

1. Once you have learned that there is a hurricane headed your way, you will have several days to go over your plans.
2. Cook any raw meet that you have in the refrigerator and freeze it.
3. Have plenty of canned foods that do not require the use of milk or water.
4. Each person in the house is going to need about a gallon of water per day. Make sure to have enough for any pets in the house too.
5. If you have a grill, make sure that you have a good supply of charcoal or propane so that you can cook or heat up food when needed.
6. Make sure that medication is well supplied. This may mean that you will have to purchase a few prescriptions without using your insurance. Most insurance companies will not honor prescription that is filled before the due date.
7. Move all valuable items off the floor or into clear plastic bags.
8. Watch the news often to stay on top of the path of the hurricane. You can also keep a radio on at all times as the storm approaches.
9. Take measures to protect your home and property.
10. If you have removable hurricane shutters, they should be put up at least two days before the storm makes landfall.
11. Lock all doors and windows.
13. Move patio furniture and anything else that can be blown around outside.
14. Have an evacuation plan if you should decide to leave the area before the storm hits land or if there is a mandatory evacuation for your area.

Doing all or most of these tips will help ensure that you, your family and your home is safe during a hurricane.