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By Rebecca Fending
With peak hurricane season creeping up on Florida, you can never be too prepared for the worst that Mother Nature has to offer. From stocking up on supplies to tying down anything loose, or even making sure communication is always a-go, here are some tips from weather.gov to help you stay ready all season long.
Hurricane Safety Tips
What’s your risk?
The best way to stay ready is to always know the status of your specific location, a specific storm or even watch real time updates of tropical storms. Visit the National Hurricane Center’s website to stay on top of all weather updates.
Be sure to prepare and create a plan that works best for you and your needs. From health concerns to mobility, keep yourself prepared with any necessary supplies. If you live alone, see about buddying up with a neighbor who will make sure you are safe during a tropical storm.
How to Prep
With the pandemic still at large, know how you can best protect yourself and your family against hurricanes with COVID-19 as part of the equation. First and foremost, stock up on supplies as soon as you start to run low. As many people have started or continued to use delivery services for goods and supplies, delivery wait times may be extended. This includes any necessary prescriptions – be sure to place your refill order well in advance so as to make sure you don’t run low should an unpredicted tropical storm arise.
All supplies and medications should be pre-packed in a go-kit. Make sure to use a waterproof, secure container to hold all canned goods, blankets, flashlights, toiletries, extra clothes and any other provisions.
If you have pets, be sure to pack for them, as well! Plenty of food, medications, bedding and an extra leash are all great things to include for your furry friend in your own go-kit. Be sure to also check what shelters are able to house your pets, as well, as many shelters for humans do not accept pets.
Have a Plan
If you’re a homeowner, be sure to adequately prepare your house for tropical storms. Know the risk of flooding, wind damage and debris damage to your house. To learn more, visit www.reviews.com/insurance/homeowners/how-to-protect-your-home-from-extreme-weather/.
In cases where evacuation may not be possible, know where to go within your immediate area in order to shelter safely. With the pandemic, your local shelter may have changed, so be sure to regularly check where your designated place is.
Should you need to utilize a public disaster shelter, know the protocol and location of the one nearest you. Many shelters are still exercising CDC recommended COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing, meaning space may be limited.
If your family gets separated, designate a universal meeting place for a later time. This can be anywhere from a specific public shelter to a landmark to meet after the storm subsides. Choose the option that makes the most sense for your group.
Be sure to keep radio communication open in order to get weather updates with cell or Internet signals may be down. Visit www.weather.gov/nwr/ for more information.
