Step1
Approximately 1 month to 2 weeks prior to the hurricane season, gather all supplies necessary in this hurricane preparedness plan. Check to be certain your emergency equipment is in good working order, and that you enough supplies to last for at least two weeks.
Step2
When a hurricane warning is called and your location is in the hurricanes path, immediately place shutters and boards on doors and windows. Set your refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings, opening only when absolutely necessary. Freeze water in plastic jugs and use them to fill empty space to keep food cool. Bring in objects that can be blown away, such as garbage cans, garden tools, lawn furniture, and plants. Anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. Do not drain pool completely, but do turn off the electricity to the pool. If you own a small boat on a trailer, store it inside a garage or warehouse. If you must leave your boat outside, attach the trailer tongue to something firm in the ground, let the air out of the tires and make sure the boat is secured to the trailer. The safekeeping of your boat is your responsibility.
Step3
If you are looking to purchase a generator, please allow for more time as many stores will run out of generators. Generators can cost anywhere from $450 and can run into the thousands if you want one big enough to power your entire house. Remember these are noisy, take up space and use gas. The gas lines will be long after a storm. Be prepared to have enough gas for the type of generator you purchase. If possible, keep the generator outside, in order to keep the fumes outside. Also, try to keep it locked/strapped down to prevent theft. Some generators even have alarms that can be placed on them.
Step4
Place any and all items that you do not wish to get damaged in waterproof, tight sealed boxes. After the storm passes, these boxes can be used to store your hurricane supplies for the next year. (Only store those that are reusable and non-perishable).
Step5
Locate a safe room in your home where you and your family will stay during the hurricane.
Step6
Stay away from windows and doors even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway. Take a battery-powered radio, TV or a NOAA Weather Radio and a flashlight with you to your place of refuge. Keep a clear escape path in case of fire. Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors, particularly double inward opening doors and garage doors. If you are in a two-story house, go to an interior first-floor room or basement, such as a bathroom, closet or under the stairs. If you are in a multiple-story building and away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows. Interior stairwells and areas around elevator shafts are generally the strongest part of a building.
Step7
Keep watch on the TV. Should your power go out, listen to the battery operated radio. Do not go outside until the National Weather Center clearly states that the storm has passed and it is safe for you to go outside to check for damage.
Hurricane Katrina
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Comments
Rheality said
on 4/2/2008 Thank you Vallain. You are correct! I will include this warning!
vallain said
on 4/1/2008 You might also add a warning about generators. Don't run them without adequate ventilation. The fumes can kill people.
Rheality said
on 3/28/2008 Gentlefawn, I added your ideas. Thank you! Hurricanes are really scary! I received an email that had the best pictures I have ever seen of a storm, just as it is coming onto shore. Those pictures made me write this in hopes to reach as many people as possible.
Gentlefawn said
on 3/28/2008 Hi. That was nice. I'm glad you mentioned things for pets because they're part of the family too!! And buying generators - maybe add about how much they run, so people can plan their finances for one. I'd store my hurricane supplies in my basement also in (they're supposed to be airtight) Rubbermaid storage boxes, labelled "Hurricane Necessities" - maybe 2 or 3 of those boxes. I am originally from South Carolina & had lived in Charleston when Hazel hit us, full force. My family had lived on James Island at the time & my dad had to drive us right smack through the middle of it to friends' home more inland for safety. I have been thru some others additionally - including Typhoon Tip which hit Honshu Japan in the late 70's. That wa very very scary!!!