Hurricane Season is Here—Know How to Be Prepared

Hurricane season is here again, and alongside the potential for severe weather comes the need to be prepared. Just remember these four “S”s and you’ll be ready to tackle extreme conditions and stay safe during any storm.

In the event of dangerous weather conditions, it is vital to remain informed about the storm’s impact and trajectory. Tune into local weather on the television or radio. Pay attention for any emergency signals or evacuation alerts. If possible, keep phones charged and with a full battery for as long as possible, in the event that power becomes less reliable due to the storm. 

Families and businesses that live or operate in areas impacted by hurricanes should have disaster relief kits on hand. According to ready.gov, these should include: a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of critical information if you need to evacuate. Fill up tanks with gas and have extra supplies packed. 

Be sure to also have clean water stored and food that is non-perishable and does not require cooking to eat.  For some homes and organizations, having a portable power option or back-up generators is another way to be prepared for unreliable disaster conditions. 

Be sure to stay in touch during severe storm activity. Phone systems are often overloaded with emergency calls, so texting is often considered more reliable and a faster way to communicate. Check in frequently—including before, during, and after the storm has passed.

Do not walk or drive into roadways that appear flooded. Listen to emergency services about evacuation routes. Avoid flood waters that can be filled with dangerous debris or impacted by downed power lines. Do not operate machinery that could pose as a threat or risk. Contact emergency services in the event of an emergency. The most important thing is staying safe. 

How else are you preparing your home or business for hurricane season? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.