Don’t wait until your local authorities issue a hurricane watch or warning before you begin creating a Hurricane Preparedness Plan for your family. Waiting for a natural disaster is stressful, and being prepared can help minimize your stress and keep your loved ones safe.
- Stay Up-To-Date
Before, during, and after the hurricane, stay informed about the storm’s status and threat level. Local stations will likely provide news about when to evacuate and the necessary details to do it safely. Following a hurricane, listen for your local authorities to give the go-ahead and call your local reconstruction company soon after assessing any damage to you home.
- Plan for Communication Problems
Begin preparing for the unexpected. It’s not uncommon for cell towers to be unusable during a hurricane. How will you communicate with your loved ones if your cell service is disrupted? Start making a family plan that includes alternative ways to keep in touch. Start be deciding on a meeting place outside of your home. Then, make note of important contact numbers. Today, it’s common to not memorize phone numbers because they’re easily accessible, but it’s a good idea to have important numbers printed out or memorized prior to a storm just in case. Also, make sure young children are also aware of the family communication plan and have a list of important contact information.
- Gather Necessary Supplies
Start collecting the supplies necessary to help you through the first 10 days following a hurricane, now. For water storage, the rule of thumb is generally one gallon of water per person, per day. This water will be used for both drinking and sanitation. In the unfortunate event the water supply runs dry, make sure you’ve scoped out an alternate clean water source. Begin by collecting three days worth of non-perishable food for each family member and then gradually add to it until you have enough for 10 days. Also, make sure you have a first-aid kit and enough diapers and wipes for any babies in the household. If you have a pet, collect 10 days worth of water and food for them as well.
Having a plan before you’re in disaster mode can make a big difference in your sanity and maybe even the safety of you and your family. Make sure everyone in the household understands the Hurricane Preparedness Plan well in advance. Review the plan with young children on a regular basis to keep the necessary steps fresh in their minds. Following a hurricane, call your local reconstruction company to begin rebuilding your family’s life and home.