By knowing the do’s and don’ts of preparing for a hurricane, you can save lives and prevent damage to your homes. Some right choice can make all the difference and help you survive this deadly storm.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to prepare yourself for the hurricane and what mistakes you must avoid to save yourself and your family.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
1. Secure Your Home
To minimize the likelihood of potential damages and ensure safety, you must take proper measures. Focus on the weak points of your property, including the roof, windows, and doors. This is essential to prevent wind and rain from causing structural damage and flooding.
Moreover, the strong winds of hurricanes bring with them objects, like tree branches, outdoor furniture, and other debris, at high speed. This can cause significant damage to your home. So, to minimize this risk, you must take proper measures and secure your home.
2. Gather Emergency Supplies
During a hurricane, you might not even find the basic essentials. So, it is advisable to gather all the emergency supplies as well as other important items that you may need in this deadly storm. Make proper arrangements for food, water, a first aid kit, medication, and a flashlight.
3. Create a Family Emergency Plan
Take some time and sit with your family to create a proper emergency plan that you all will follow during a hurricane. Discuss the evacuation routes and prepare a comprehensive hurricane guide like the one from Western Union. Additionally, think about how all of you will communicate with each other during an emergency.
4. Ensure Proper Drainage
Floods can cause severe problems for you and your family. That’s why, during hurricane season, it is advisable to ensure proper drainage. Clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent water from standing. This is essential to ensure the structural integrity of your home and its systems.
Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing for a Hurricane
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Many people wait until the last moment and do not take immediate measures to secure themselves and their properties from a hurricane. They often end up disappointed and have to face many financial issues later. Therefore, rather than waiting for this season to come, you must start preparing well in advance.
2. Leaving Pets Behind
Hurricanes are dangerous for both humans and animals. So, you should not only think about yourself in this critical situation but also consider your furry friends. Make sure to keep them with you, and also make arrangements for their food and other essentials. Never leave your pets alone in a hurricane. They might not be able to escape from the dangers, so you should not put their lives at risk.
3. Relying Solely on Technology
Rather than relying solely on technology, you must look for other methods to communicate with your family members during a hurricane. Arrange a backup, so you do not have to face any problems if the battery of your phone dies.
4. Ignoring Evacuation Orders
During an emergency, the local authorities of your area often issue evacuation orders. You must follow them immediately, as any ignorance in this regard can lead to many severe issues and even costly fines from the government.
