As June 1st rolls around, so does the start of the hurricane season. For many of us living along the East and Gulf Coasts, this period brings a flurry of activity as meteorologists scrutinize every storm cloud that gathers over the ocean. While it’s easy for the public to become desensitized to the media frenzy surrounding each weather system, being proactive can prevent you from being caught off guard during a storm.
For Heather and Lisa, Hurricane Hugo was a pivotal moment from their childhood. Fortunately, their families weathered the storm with minimal damage. What they remember most vividly is the sense of community that emerged during the aftermath. Neighbors rallied together, clearing fallen trees and sharing meals from their freezers. Older kids took on babysitting duties to allow adults to focus on recovery. Heather, at just eleven years old, and Lisa, fifteen, treasure memories of the forts they constructed from salvaged materials. At that young age, they were blissfully unaware of the complexities involved in filing insurance claims or dealing with FEMA.
Hurricane 101: Preparing for the Storm
Here are some vital tips to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe in the event of a hurricane. Many of these guidelines also apply to those living in tornado-prone areas or near fault lines, where advance warning may not always be available.
- Review Your Insurance Coverage: Confirm that you have adequate protection against both wind and flood damage. Ensure that your policies are with the same insurer to avoid complications. Store these documents in a secure, dry location, and remember to take them with you if evacuation is necessary.
- Stock Up on Supplies: Prepare enough food and clean drinking water to last each family member at least 72 hours. Aim for one gallon of water per person per day.
- If your water supply is intact, it can be boiled for safety before consumption.
- In dire situations, you can purify water using 2 drops of unscented chlorine bleach per quart. Allow any sediments to settle, filter through coffee filters or cloth, then add the bleach, stir, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Make sure to have a new, unopened bottle of bleach in your emergency kit, replacing it every three months.
- Food Preparation: Stock easy-to-eat food items that require minimal cooking. Don’t forget a manual can opener—you may become the most sought-after person on your block!
- Emergency Supplies: Assemble essential items such as candles, batteries, flashlights, and a crank or battery-operated radio.
- Fuel Up: Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full at all times.
- Cash Reserves: Maintain a supply of cash, as ATMs will be inoperable during power outages.
- Evacuation Plan: Have a comprehensive evacuation plan in place. Remember that shelters are primarily for those in dire need.
- Take identification and proof of residency with you, as access to damaged areas may be restricted.
- Plan ahead for your pets; many shelters do not accept animals. This is a crucial responsibility that pet owners often overlook.
- First-Aid Kit: Ensure your first-aid kit is well-stocked.
- If you must evacuate, take all prescription medications with you. (I understand that navigating insurance policies can be challenging.)
- Work Gloves: Keep sturdy work gloves in your emergency kit, along with an extra pair.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes; avoid flip-flops when dealing with storm damage.
- Stay Put: After a storm, remain in place unless instructed otherwise. Emergency personnel have a heavy workload restoring utilities and assisting those injured in the storm—don’t add to their stress.
- Obey Curfews: Follow any curfews established by law enforcement, as stress can lead to unpredictable behavior.
- Check on Neighbors: Especially reach out to elderly neighbors to ensure they are safe and okay.
- Wildlife Caution: Be aware that snakes and other wildlife may be disoriented post-storm. Watch where you step and avoid putting your hands where you can’t see when clearing debris.
- Chainsaw Safety: If you live in a rural area, learn how to safely operate a chainsaw, especially women. Downed limbs are common after storms. Always steer clear of power lines.
- Own a chainsaw, keep it well-maintained, and have gasoline, oil, and chain oil readily available.
- Grill Supplies: Ensure you have ample propane or charcoal for your grill.
- Heather once brewed coffee on a grill, and her neighbors were grateful! Just remember: NEVER use a grill indoors as it produces dangerous, odorless carbon monoxide.
- Boarding Windows: If you need to board up windows, ensure you have plywood ready ahead of time—it can be reused each year.
- Tarps: Keep a couple of tarps handy to cover broken windows or holes in the roof temporarily until more permanent repairs can be made.
- Communication Challenges: Be aware that cell towers may be damaged in severe storms, leading to intermittent or complete communication outages.
As a storm approaches, especially if it poses a potential threat and you are not in an evacuation zone, take the time to ensure you are well-prepared. Catch up on laundry, locate your cooler, check your generator (if you have one), and refresh the gasoline supply for it. Make ice if your freezer isn’t full; every plastic container you have can be utilized, and Ziploc bags work well too—just lay them flat and seal them completely.
A full freezer can maintain its temperature for up to 48 hours, while a half-full one will only last about 24 hours. If your kids have electronic devices, charge them fully and be ready to ration their usage. If a storm does seem likely to hit, let those who have not prepared handle their last-minute needs. You can stay home, safe, and dry while enjoying your own version of Harriet McLeod’s Go Away Cookies!
Remember, while the media often sensationalizes dramatic events, it’s the small, preventable accidents that tend to be the most common occurrences. Here’s hoping for a quiet hurricane season ahead!
For any domestic inquiries, feel free to reach out to helpme@home-ec101.com.
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