Hurricane Season – 5 Steps to being prepared

Today is the start of Hurricane Season that has been predicted to be busier than usual. Based on the ocean temperatures and the changing weather conditions, they might just be right this year. With that in mind, below is our 5 steps to being prepared. If you happen to own pets, we added an additional bonus step just for them. While this list is geared for those faced with hurricane evacuations, this is a good list for anyone that may be in areas that maybe affected by earthquakes, tornados, or floods.

1. Get you papers in order

   • Safe Deposit Box
     • This should contain copies of all your important papers like your insurance policies, Social Security Cards, Drivers Licenses, Deeds, DD-214, Diplomas, etc…
     • You should also have a Household Inventory sheet in there for insurance purposes, many people are now doing this via video tape & it should be updated at least once a year (after Christmas presents are opened is a good time)
   • File your important papers and pictures in Ziploc bags before you evacuate if you are leaving them at home when you evacuate
   • In your Go Bag (below) you might consider having a copy of your insurance policy and deed sealed up in a Ziploc bag in case the worst happens when you evacuate
   • Place a map with your evacuation route mapped out – you might also want to include phone numbers for motels on the route, and optional travel routes in case the primary ones are blocked
   • If you require any prescriptions, you should have a list of all of them & if at all possible a copy of the prescription(s) in your Go Bag
   • Review your insurance policies – flood damage is not covered by your regular insurance – other articles on insurance
   • If you own a small business – you might want to review this article on Disaster Preparation for small business owners

2. Developing a Family Plan

   • Consider having a family member that lives out of state, being your families point of contact – hopefully their phones will still be working and this cuts down on phone calls into a disaster area which can overwhelm the circuits
   • Just like your families fire plan – in case of fire, this is how we will escape and we will all meet here – arrange for a meeting place that everyone can get to & will be safe.
   • Make sure everyone knows where the safest place to be is in case of X, Y, or Z happens. In some cases, this may not even be your own house, but a neighbor, a shelter, etc…

3. Create a Disaster Supply Kit Go Bag

   • HTRC: General Disaster Supply Kit & Go Bag – while one should always have a kit ready to go with certain items being rotated, what generally ends up happening is those items get used & not replaced so it would be good to double check
   • If you are staying put and riding the storm out, or are living further inland you will also need
     • Fuel for your generator (We would recommend 3 days or more & preferably without Ethanol being in it. This is one item that should always be rotated even with additives)
     • A Basic Hand Tool Set
     • Tarps, plastic and / or plywood to seal up damaged area’s

4. Getting out of Dodge

   • If you know an evacuation order is coming – leave before it is released, this will cut down on the traffic delays you will encounter
   • If you will be staying in a motel – setup your reservation before you leave
   • Be prepared for traffic and delays, by making sure your car is not only tuned up, but full of gas
   • If you are planning to stay with relatives – you should also call them before you are leaving
   • Make sure you have a good map not only of the area you are going but the full route (I know we all have GPS but sometimes it’s spotty or the towers go down)

5. Securing your House

   • Pull all lawn furniture and other possible missiles inside a garage or other safe place, most damage is caused by the houses envelope being penetrated generally by a flying object
   • If you do not have the newer storm resistant windows or shutters – make sure you board them up properly
   • Garage Doors should be braced with 4 or more 2×4’s mounted inside
   • Make sure that you lock & deadbolt all exterior doors – if at all possible adding a bottom and top catch to the doors will help prevent the wind from blowing open a door

6. You’re Pet – Your Responsibility

   • Before
     • Make sure it’s vaccination’s are current & you have the records in the Pet’s “To Go” bag – not only is it the law that they be vaccinated, but you will not be able to place one in a shelter without proof
     • Just like your kids – a current photo is good to keep on hand
     • We have wallets, pets need to be wearing a collar with the appropriate tags
     • Your evacuation route just got a little harder if you are not staying with family, you will either need to find a shelter that can house your pet, or a motel that accepts pets… Do Not forget to call before you evacuate to reserve a room
   • The Pet’s to go bag
     • Personally the pet carrier is probably the best item to store a duffel bag in for your pet
     • Make sure you have enough food and water for the pet
     • Don’t forget a leash, treats, and the immunization records
     • If your pet requires medications, don’t forget about them
     • You might want to include a favorite blanket or toy to help calm them down
   • Additional thoughts
     • Before the storm, make sure you bring them inside so they don’t get spooked & run
     • After you have arrived at your stopping place or back home, make sure you take your pet for a walk (with a leash on) to help them acclimate to the changes
     • Consider getting your pet tagged, in case they happen to get away and lose their collar

Hopefully, this will be another quite year, but as the saying goes “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst”

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