Hurricane storms can be anything from mild to extremely severe. This means that no matter the case, you must always be prepared. Getting caught unawares can be dangerous. It can cost you everything from your loved ones and your life to everything you own.
So, get ready particularly when you live in vulnerable areas. Remember not to take it too lightly. You do not want to be one of those people who ask “how bad can a hurricane be?” and find out how bad after you’ve lost everything. After all is said and done, it is always better to be alive than dead. That way, no matter how bad things get, you can always get back on your feet.
Have Your Hurricane Preparedness Kits Packed
Once the hurricane season approaches make sure to have your hurricane preparedness kits ready to go at a moment’s notice. Your hurricane kits should include flashlights, first aid kits, energy and protein bars, bottles of water, a transistor radio, and a satellite phone. Please check the National Hurricane Center website for a more comprehensive list of items that you need to put in the disaster preparedness kit.
Ascertain Your Home’s Vulnerability
This is important in the grand scheme of things. You want to be sure that your home is located in a relatively safe zone. If you live in a valley, check to see if your home is vulnerable to flood and storm surges. Also, check the dams around your area and see if they could potentially affect you and your home.
You should also check higher grounds and elevated locations where you will most likely stay safe from any floods. Also check the basement and see if there’s significant vulnerability to floods. Check the roof for any weaknesses and then install extra clips or straps which will help reinforce your roof and protect it from any extensive damage.
Reinforce the windows by installing permanent storm shutters or boarding them up if you cannot afford that. Cut or trim the trees around the house so they do not fall on the house of break the windows. Lastly – and this is the last option- you may want to think about building a safe room in the house.
Have a Last Resort Plan
This is a strategy that you need to put in motion once you see the signs that the hurricane might be worse than you think. This last resort plan will usually involve taking extreme measures or complete evacuation plans. Moving from one place to another might be difficult in the thick of a hurricane, but if that is the last option, you may have to do it. Whatever the case, just be prepared.
Have Emergency Family Evacuation Plans
If you have a family or loved ones living with you, you should have an evacuation plan available that you’ll use as soon as the hurricane starts approaching. Most importantly you should rehearse it several times before the hurricane arrives. This will help ensure that in the event of a hurricane, you can easily evacuate your loved ones to prearranged centers, areas or a relative’s place where it is likely to be safer.
Ensure You Have Hurricane and Flood Damage Insurance and Protection
This is crucial in the event of extensive damage to your home and property caused by flood. You should get flood insurance protection. This will help you recover everything you may have lost during the hurricane. It is the best way to protect your property or business from flood damage. A flood damage insurance is particularly important for people resident or who have properties located in coastal or inland areas that are particularly susceptible to flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes. Great places to start your search are with insurance agents such as those that can be found at InsuranceLand.org.
As a Florida resident, Oscar King knows all about hurricanes and how they can turn your life upside down when they blow through. He often writes freelance on various topics he has expertise in – including storm preparation and survival. You can find more examples of Oscar’s work by visiting Google+.
Sources:
http://www.ready.gov/be-informed
http://www.ready.gov/basic-disaster-supplies-kit
http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/Family_Emegency_Plan.pdf
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