How to prepare for a hurricane

Hurricane season comes, and many people from the states affected by hurricanes rush to get ready for a potentially really dangerous storm. It is important to know how to prepare for such a disaster, since it can cause great impact to an area. Follow these tips, and keep safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Batteries
• Blankets
• Food
• Cooler
• Water

1. First, make sure that you and your family are clear on the plans in case a hurricane strikes. For this, you should arrange a meeting and discuss: how to deal with injuries, what to do in case of power outages, how to turn off utilities at main switches, where to meet in case you get separated, and most importantly, teach your children how and when to call 911 for help.
   Also, do not forget to make arrangements for pets. They are part of your family too!
2. Get at least a one week food supply ready. Make sure that they are high nutrition foods that will require no preparation or refrigeration. This should include: Cereal bars, power bars, canned juices, beef jerky, cookies. If anyone in your family is eating special foods, make sure to include that as well.
3. It is always good to prepare for the event of a water shortage. You should buy plastic eating utensils and paper plates, so you do not leave dirty dishes until the water comes back. Make sure you also have manual can openers.
4. Have plenty of water. Assume that a person will drink 1.5 gallon a day. This seems like a lot, but it is better to have water left over than missing. Remember that this amount of water also includes your pet. You may also want to fill containers with water for brushing teeth, washing hands, anything else that could be necessary.
5. Board windows. If that is not possible, tape the windows. It will not prevent them from breaking, but will help it shatter less.
6. Always have a battery powered radio. In case the power goes out, it's a good way to keep updated with what is going on in your area. Make sure you have enough batteries for it to sustain it for a period of a week.
7. Check trees and remove any limbs that could damage your house if a storm comes.
8. Check flashlights. Make sure you have enough, and enough batteries for all of them.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always great having a cooler filled with ice, so you can keep perishables in it for a day in case the power goes out.
• Take some cash out of the ATM, since power outages may cause it not to work.
• Always have your car's tank filled with gas.
• Secure anything in your garden or porch that could be blown away.