Hurricane Preparedness Tips (and Household Hacks)

Resources

Here’s a roundup of our top hurricane preparedness tips, as well as a few less-conventional household “hacks” for staying for more comfortable in a serious storm.

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Hurricane Tips

Gather Information

  • Find out if you live in an evacuation zone and recognize your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind
  • Understand National Weather Service forecasts and NWS watches and warnings

Supplies Kit

Emergency Plans

Evacuation

During the Storm

  • Take shelter in a sturdy building; avoid isolated sheds or other small structures, open areas, hilltops, the beach or boats
  • Listen for warning sirens, stay away from windows and exterior doors, and seek shelter in a bathroom or basement
  • Avoid contact with electrical equipment, cords, metal and water

Recover

  • Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home
  • Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process
  • Learn about safe cleanup from local authorities, or visit www.cdc.gov

Hurricane Hacks

Tampa Bay Times Executive Editor Mark Katches asked readers for tips and “hacks” that would help Florida newcomers get ready during hurricane season. Here are excerpts from those reader submissions.

width= Household Appliances

  • Use the time before the storm to catch up on laundry. Plus, you can use the empty washing machine for your impromptu beverage cooler
  • Fill a bathtub with water you can use to flush the toilets
  • Freeze bags of water in case you need ice later

“Go” Bag

  • Keep all the essentials, including cash and important papers, ready in case you need to leave
  • An emergency bag should also include bedding and pillows you can use at a shelter

Paper Maps

  • You may want to invest in — gasp — actual physical maps. Have real paper maps so when you evacuate, you can take back roads. Your smartphone may do you no good

Batteries, Fans, Headlamps

  • Battery-powered fans will save your sanity after the power (and air conditioning) goes out
  • A headlamp can also come in handy when it’s pitch black at night

Pets

  • Purchase a few pieces of sod to give dogs a safe place to go to the bathroom

Insurance

  • For insurance purposes, take photos of your home before damage hits
  • Acquire renter’s insurance if you don’t already have it

Sources:

Ready.gov

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/ready.php

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/hurricane

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida/2019/08/12/hurricane-season-life-hacks-floridians-shared-their-most-unconventional-storm-survival-tips/

Want to Know More?

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