Why and How You Should Prepare for Hurricane Season

When residing in a high risk hurricane area it is important to plan ahead. Once that hurricane watch or warning has been announced, it could be too late for planning. There are steps that can be taken prior to the posting of a hurricane watch or warning then can save you time and maybe even your life. Hurricane season typically runs the start of June to the end of November. A hurricane can come up very quickly, without a lot of warning.

Any and all residents of hurricane prone areas should have a preplan. A preplan should include information for in case your home has to be evacuated. You should make up a list of items that you will take with you in the event of an evacuation. Copies of this list should be made and placed at convenient areas throughout the house. Your list should include important documents, as many individuals forget such documentation when they are in a hurry.

Along the lines of evacuation, there should be a procedure plan in place in order to ensure all the bases are covered for a quick and smooth evacuation. Having your own transportation is important, but knowing where you will temporarily relocate to is important as well. You should not assume that those friends or family that live further inland or on higher ground will take you in on the spur of the moment. It would be in your best interest to consult with them when devising your preplan, so that you know you have clear options. In the event that you do not have friends or family in safer areas, you will want to be sure to have an emergency financial fund the will allow you and your family to stay for around three days at a safe hotel.

Typically you will receive some type of warning in the event of a hurricane. Today's technology allows for meteorologists to predict when and where a hurricane could possible hit. Often this can be done in enough time to give residents a day or so advance warning. This warning can allow for you to fill your vehicle with fuel and to stock your home with provisions. You will also want to immediately acquire the proper materials and tools in order to board up the windows of your home. Since you will not be the only one wanting to do this, you may want to have the materials on hand ahead of time, just as a precautionary measure.

Often residents are advised to evacuate their homes in the event of a hurricane, but are not forced to. If you have no plan to evacuate your home, despite being advised to do so, you should take extra care to be well prepared in the event of a hurricane. If your home is not structurally sound, remaining in it to weather a hurricane is not advised. However, if you feel your home is very structurally safe, you should be sure to stock appropriate provisions, such as food, water, batteries, flashlights, and a battery powered radio. You should also keep your cell phone well charged, so that it will still be of use should you lose power. You should be sure to notify friends and family when you make the decision to stay in your home during an advised evacuation for a hurricane situation.

These are just several guidelines that should be used in preparation for a hurricane season. Being prepared can be the difference between a smooth evacuation and an overly stressful situation.