Hurricane Preparedness Tips: Staying Safe Throughout the Storm

Before -Hurricane Prep

• Secure, remove, tie down, and ground anything that can become flying missiles in hurricane-force winds.
• Prune back trees or branches that can break free and cause damage or danger to life and limb in a hurricane.
• Gather all medication and keep together in one place. If your medication requires refrigeration, have ice packs and an insulated bag to keep them when the electricity comes off.
• Purchase non-perishable foods for every member of the family. Ensure that you have a good can opener handy for canned foods.
• Replenish your drinking (and sometimes bathing) water and ensure you have at least a 5-day supply.
• Ensure you have a stove lighter or matches to light your gas range if it uses electricity to spark a flame.
• Gather all necessary documents, certificates, health cards, passports, etc., and place them in ziplock or waterproof containers. Keep them in your possession at all times.
• Because of the risk of flooding and damage to your electronics, unplug everything that is not in use and raise them from the floor to prevent water damage. Cover electronics that cannot be moved with plastic bags and secure all others in a safe place (in the home or at a trusted friend/relative’s house. )
• Purchase extra batteries for your radio, flashlights, lanterns, and handheld fans. Keep them in a place that will remain dry.
• Keep your power banks charged and ready to use in the case of an electricity outage, and limit the use of your cell phone to preserve its battery life.
• Batten down, bar up, or close your shutters in good time before the hurricane arrives.
• Take a nice long shower, clean and tidy inside the home, and cook your favorite comfort foods to alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with a hurricane.
• Your go-bag should contain clothing items, essential items for your children (you determine what those are). It should also include important documents, a few non-perishable food items, and other valuables (not like wigs and so, but real sentimental valuables, etc.)
• Look out for your neighbors and secure the elderly. Ensure they have what they need and give assistance, if possible.

During – Staying Safe and Occupied

• Pay attention to the radio or to YouTube for frequent updates on the weather.
• Bond with family members by playing card games, singing karaoke from YouTube, listening to music, playing board games etc. have fun together. This will help you to ease you anxieties.
• During the hurricane, you may become curious and want to see what’s happening outside. Please, as much as possible, stay away from the windows. You’ll never know when something can come flying and break through the window; this would cause severe injury or even death.
• If you are not confident that your home is strong enough, please pack your things and proceed to nearest designated shelter for your safety until the hurricane has passed. You should never go outside in a storm unless there’s a life-threatening emergency.

After – Wait for “All Clear”

Until next time,