How to Survive a Hurricane
How to Survive a Hurricane
Evacuate. Yes, that’s right. If the local government is telling you to evacuate – just do it. Find a friend. Call an old high school buddy. Hit up Airbnb. Call your kids and tell them you’re coming. But don’t be a hero. No one needs to rescue your butt when the first responders will already have way more than they can handle during a major event like a category 3, 4 or 5 hurricane. Get your ass out of the way.
But before you hightail it out of town – there are some things you can do to protect your home as best you can. In the end, remember – it’s a house. If you and your pets and kids are safe, that’s all that matters in the end. You can’t replace those.
Here’s some things you can do before the storm hits your town:
- Find a safe place to stay – away from the path of the storm, while you still have technology use.
- Cover your windows and any exterior glass with sheets of plywood if possible.
- Make sure you pack your pets enough food for a couple of weeks – just in case.
- Make sure all your batteries are charged: computers, cell phones, etc.
- Fill your tank up with gas – you might have to drive hundreds of miles to safety.
- Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Objects such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile.
- Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Call your loved ones, neighbors and the elderly to see if everyone is okay or needs help.
Right before the storm hits:
- LEAVE TOWN.
- Find out if there will be any emergency shelters set up and where they will be.
- Listen to the news or radio for up to date information.
- Check in with your loved ones and make sure everyone is okay.
During the storm:
- Enjoy a drink and meal with friends and family in the safety – out of the storm’s path, several hundred miles away.
- Pray for those who are left behind including emergency responders helping to keep everyone safe.
After the storm:
- Be thankful you’re alive.
- Take inventory of any damage when you return.
- If you don’t have homeowner’s insurance for natural disasters – now is probably the time.
- Make sure your family members and friends that live near and far are all okay.
If you have any other tips, let us know!
Photo credit: citizen-times.com.
