How to Prepare for a Hurricane

As Hurricane Danny threatens Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island, New York, anyone in its projected path is awaiting the heavy rains and flooding. Here are some tips for preparing for a hurricane if you are in one of these areas.

Plan Where You Will be During a Hurricane

Planning for a hurricane involves knowing what you and your family are going to do if you are caught in the middle of a hurricane. Pick a safe place in your home without windows like the basement, or make sure you all know of at least 2 emergency shelters to go if there are no safe places in your home. Also make sure you know where all family members are and if possible, have everyone together to weather the storm.

What do You Need during a Hurricane?

Stock up on enough non-perishable food and water to last a couple weeks. Other useful supplies to have on hand are batteries and flashlights, tarps, bad-weather clothing and other essentials to help you through the aftermath of a bad storm. Items that do not require batteries like the wind up flashlight. There are also wind up and solar powered radios available that will come in handy during a hurricane and after. You will also want to have a well stocked first aid kit and a supply of any prescription medications or special needs devices your family may need.

It is also a good idea to fill your bath tub and other large containers with water to be used for cleaning and flushing and to serve any other sanitation purposes.

Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane

Have your hurricane shutters and plywood handy, along with the screws and hardware necessary to cover the windows. Keep an ample amount of tools and accessories ready and if you know you're in the path of a hurricane, cover your windows early. Don't wait until it starts raining to gather and find the supplies you need. Also clear the yard of any loose toys or objects and store them in a garage or inside the home as well as taking the time to trim any trees and shrubs around your home.

Don't Forget the Pets

If you plan on going to a shelter, check and see if pets are allowed. If not, you may want to consider taking shelter at a friend or family member's home. This is important to check on before heading to the shelter, as there will be no place for your pet if the shelter does not allow animals once you are there.

Gas Up Your Vehicles

As the hurricane nears your area, there will be enormous lines at the gas station and some gas stations will actually run out of gas. Make sure you gas up your vehicles ahead of time and beat the rush.

Although this isn't an exhaustive list of ways to prepare for a hurricane, these are important things to plan if you happen to be in the path of one. Plan ahead, and be safe.

Sources:

For everything in Long Island News

www.fema.gov

www.bt.cdc.gov
www.liprepares.org