Weather Emergency Preparation

Hurricane & Weather Emergency Preparation

Imagine a category 4 storm is around the corner from your home this week. How do you prepare for the impending catastrophe ahead? While it does not help to panic, there may have been some preparations you overlooked altogether. Here is your weather emergency and hurricane preparation guide. Get on it today. 

Food and Water

Water and canned food are a priority in any weather emergency. Remember, the people in your area will need food and water, so try not to take more than three packs of bottled water and four jugs of a gallon of water per three people. Most places ration their customers’ purchases.

You can also get electrolyte beverages. Your family can switch between sports drinks and water to offset thirst. If your local grocery store is out of supplies, head towards an office supply, home improvement, or drug store. Beans, canned tuna, canned pre-cooked meats, fruit juices, packaged snacks, cereals, nuts, jarred veggies, and dried fruit are great options for holding out days on end without refrigeration.

Supplies

For non-food-related items stock up on batteries, flashlights, candles, fire extinguishers, flares, medical supplies, iPhone battery packs, a generator, and a battery or solar-operated radio. These items are frequently overlooked before a hurricane. 

Your Plan to Escape

Fill all your cars with gas asap. Don’t hold off on this because leaving town may become a priority over boarding your windows. Depending on the severity of the hurricane, you may need to take your family to safer regions.

Check out Declared Disasters | FEMA.gov to see if your area is at high risk for category four or more hurricanes. Make sure your vehicles are in good running shape, check all exit options from your locations, stay tuned on Fema, and leave early if your governor suggests it for your area. 

Secure your Belongings and Insurance

You will probably have to leave your property and belongings behind, so you will need insurance to cover the costs of damaged items. Apartment owners will need renters’ insurance, while those renting a home or townhome will need a specific type of home insurance for personal belongings.

Homeowners will need homeowners’ insurance. Shop around and ask all the questions upfront. You do not want your home or belongings unsecured.

For a weather emergency make sure you have your important documents set aside and in a waterproof case. Secure the highest priority items first and take them with you if you need to evacuate. If you are staying home, consider leaving them up high on a shelf on the first level of your home. 

Safeguard your Home

It may be too late to install home shutters, but nailing metal sheets on your roof, boarding your windows, and using sandbags may minimize damage to your home. If tall trees you suspect are rotting or weak surround your home, consider calling a crew out to remove them. Call soon as tree removal companies fill up appointments fast during hurricane season.

See if your local county offers sandbag filling sites for free. Sandbag sites allow individuals to fill pillow-sized burlap sacks with dirt and sand so you can block the cracks under your door from being flooded. Home improvement stores and gardening stores are likely to have these materials.

Post-Hurricane Damage Control

If you get through the hurricane with your home intact, call your local foundation repair company to inspect your home for any potential damage.

Atlantic Foundation services areas from Raleigh and into Eastern North Carolina. They offer services to help with flooded crawl spaces and basements, masonry, and foundation repair. Even if your home looks good on the outside, hurricanes deliver consequences to houses that go undetected.

We offer free consultations to homeowners. Don’t let this season’s storms get the best of you and your home. Prepare now!

*Atlantic Foundation is not certified to give hurricane safety advice. Check out Declared Disasters | FEMA.gov to ensure you and your family stay safe. We accept no responsibility for loss of life, property, or money. 

Sources-Declared Disasters | FEMA.gov
Hurricane Home Protection | Miami Hurricane Protection Services (hurricaneprotectionshutter.com)
Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm | Hurricanes (cdc.gov)
5 Ways to Provide Built-In Hurricane Protection | HGTV