Hurricane Irene is threatening to impact the U.S. east coast and is causing many people from Florida to Massachusetts to be on high alert. As the storm approaches and hurricane watches/warnings go into effect, families will be in a rush to collect supplies in case Irene comes ashore. With the last hurricane to make direct contact with land being Ike in 2008, how well is everyone in Irene’s path prepared for a hurricane?
What supplies to have in stock
Basic supplies a family needs to ride out a hurricane should last 3-7 days. One gallon of water per person per day and non-perishable food such as snacks and canned goods; anything that does not require refrigeration. Non-electric tools such as a manual can opener and fuel supplied cooking devices should be purchased as well. A well stocked first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic ointments, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc., anything to clean and cover wounds. Medications, prescriptions, special items for babies (diapers, wipes, formula) and the elderly, toiletries and hygiene products.
Flashlights, radios (including NOAA weather radios) and cell phones will require batteries during a power outage so be sure to keep fresh and charged batteries in the devices as well as backup supplies. Place all important documents (social security cards, birth certificates, etc.) in waterproof containers or safes. Keep cash (in small bills) and credit cards on hand. In case of power outages, most banks and ATMs will be unavailable. Have spare keys to your home and vehicles and have your vehicles filled with gas in case of mandatory evacuations.
Hurricane-proof your home
When a hurricane hits, flooding isn’t the only concern. Wind damage and flying debris will cause the most damage if water levels do not reach your home. First and foremost, if you reside in areas prone to hurricane landfalls, purchase flood insurance for your home before hurricane season arrives. Cover all non impact-resistant windows with plywood. Purchase plywood before hurricane season since stores sell out quickly once a warning goes into effect. Depending on the materials your home is made of, have correct fasteners to keep the plywood attached to your home through the storm.
Reinforce garage doors at it’s weak spots with bracing. Check building codes prior to any installation to make sure no violations will be made. If your home has double front or back entry doors, install top and bottom bolts onto the inactive door. For all other doors, have a dead bolt with at least a 1 inch minimum bolt throw length and three hinges. This should help keep doors closed and secured once the high winds hit your home.
If evacuated, have a plan
First, determine the evacuation routes from your home. If your family will be separated at the time of evacuation, have a meeting location outside of the evacuated areas. If you have a friend or family member out-of-state, make them your family’s contact. Determine what to do with your pets and pack your disaster kit (items listed above). In case of an emergency, first aid, CPR and disaster preparedness classes can come in handy. Visit www.redcross.org to find such classes in your area.
Mother nature can strike any place at any time. No one can be 100% prepared for when a disaster strikes but having a plan and items needed to survive in stock can help your family through the situation.