Total Home Security Newsletter
E-mail:
BOOKMARK THIS PAGE
Bookmark and Share
TEXT SIZE
A+ | A-

Prepare Your Family – Hurricane Safety

What you do before a hurricane strikes is as important as what you do during the actual hurricane. Whether you are called to evacuate or allowed to stay at home, there are several tasks you can do in advance to ensure you are well prepared.  Take the time to review the hurricane safety advice listed below, and you will be one step closer to keeping your family safe and secure.

Have a family hurricane preparedness plan already in place:

  • Determine the safest place in the home during a hurricane.
  • Know the location of the nearest hurricane shelters in case evacuation is necessary.
  • Plan out evacuation routes in advance.
  • Choose a family member or friend from out of town as the point of contact.
  • Make sure every family member is aware of these hurricane safety measures.

Create a hurricane safety kit and keep it in the safest part of your house (wherever your family plans to wait out a storm):

  • Ask your physician if you can have an extra 7-day supply of prescription medication.
  • Have at least a 3-7 day supply of non-perishable food items.
  • Have at least 1 gallon of water per person for 3-7 days.
  • Keep a well-stocked first aid kit nearby.
  • Keep a flashlight and extra batteries handy.
  • Invest in an emergency radio (crank or battery operated).
  • Store a few books or puzzles for the children.

Don’t forget your furry family members; planning for your pet’s safety is an important part of good hurricane preparedness too:

  • Be sure your pets are up to date on all vaccinations and have the paperwork handy.
  • Have a properly sized pet carrier in case of evacuation.
  • Keep a recent photo of your pets.
  • Bring all pets indoors well in advance of the storm.
  • Keep additional food and medication on hand for each pet.
  • All pets should wear a collar with an identification tag.

Hurricane safety also includes protecting your home:

  • Board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood. For regularly hit coastal areas, hurricane preparedness may require a more permanent solution like storm shutters.
  • Reduce roof damage by installing hurricane straps or clips that fasten the roof to the frame of your house.
  • For additional hurricane safety, keep all trees well trimmed and the yard free of debris.
  • Clear out gutters and drain spouts.

Hurricane safety begins well before a storm ever strikes. Families can work together to make certain all necessary steps have been taken to create the highest level of hurricane preparedness. A little effort goes a long way when keeping your home and loved ones safe in a storm.

Comments

Leave a Reply








or Call Toll Free: