Hurricane prep list: What you need BEFORE - DURING - AFTER storm

It’s essential to have a hurricane prep list. You will not want yourself to struggle with a hungry stomach or be injured, but there lack of drugs or bandages. To avoid those bad situations, keep in mind these things we are going to share below. 

What you need to do for safe storm survival

Hurricane prep list: Before a Hurricane

Preparing before a hurricane hits is crucial for your safety and your property. 

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce risks and aid in a smoother recovery.

Hurricane emergency supplies

First of all, you should have a hurricane emergency kit. This kit should be easily accessible and contain enough necessities for at least 3-7 days per person.

It includes:

• Water for drinking and sanitation (1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days)

• Non-perishable food (3–7 day supply) such as canned goods, dried fruit, protein bars, etc. Include a manual can opener

• First aid kit & necessary medications: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, gauze, medical tape, and prescription drugs ( if have).

• Flashlights and extra batteries. Avoid candles due to fire risk.

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)

• Power banks for phones and devices

• Personal hygiene items (toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, etc.)

• Important documents in a waterproof container (IDs, insurance, bank info)

• Cash (ATMs may not work after a storm)

• Baby and pet supplies, if needed

It’s essential to prepare a hurricane emergency kit

Plan to shelter safely

Before a hurricane hits, planning for safe shelter is essential. 

It means that you need to be already to live without power, water, gas, phone, and internet for an extended period. 

Identify and practice getting to your designated safe shelter in the event of severe winds. 

Your shelter should be a tiny, internal, windowless room on the lowest non-flooding level of a substantial building or a recognized public shelter. 

Importantly, if you live in a flood-prone area, prepare to move to higher ground before floodwaters hit, and execute all official evacuation orders as soon as possible.

An important thing in the hurricane prep list is an ideal shelter

Know more about hurricane:

• What is the difference between a hurricane typhoon and cyclone?
• Difference between hurricane watch and warning

Build your evacuation plan

Building a comprehensive evacuation plan is essential for hurricane preparedness, a task that must be completed before a hurricane threat emerges. 

This plan should include knowing your evacuation zone and primary/alternative routes to a safe destination. 

Establish a communication strategy for family members if separated, designate an out-of-state contact, and make prior arrangements for pets, as not all shelters accommodate them. 

Crucially, have your "go-bag" packed with essentials and ensure your vehicle is fueled so that when a hurricane warning is issued or an evacuation order is given, you can execute your well-practiced plan promptly and safely.

Complete your evacuation plan before hurricanes hit

Home hurricane preparedness

After you complete a hurricane emergency kit and safe shelter plan, you also need to do something to protect your house.

Yard and Exterior

• Trim trees and shrubs, especially those close to your home

• Clear gutters and downspouts

• Secure with ropes or place inside all outdoor furniture, trash cans, and decorations that can become a missile

Windows and Doors

• Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood to cover all windows and glass doors.

• Reinforce the garage door if possible.

Vehicles

• Fill your car’s gas tank

• Check tire pressure and fluids. 

• Maintain a full tank of gasoline for generators.

Appliances

• Set refrigerators and freezers at the coldest setting to keep food longer, even if the power is cut off

• Have coolers and ice packs ready

Hurricane prep list: During a Hurricane

When a hurricane hits, you also need to remember the hurricane prep list below.

Stay indoor

When a hurricane strikes or conditions get extreme, staying indoors is critical for safety. Move to your designated safe room.

Do not try to go outside because there are too many potential dangers for you. Whether a category 1 hurricane with a wind speed 33-42m/s can damage the roofs of frame houses, break tree branches, and damage power lines.

When you run outside, you can be injured by those things.

Hurricane breaks trees and damages the roof of the frame house

Stay away from windows

Another important thing you should remember is to stay away from windows when a hurricane hits.

High winds can cause glass to shatter inward due to extreme pressure, or dangerous flying debris, such as branches and unsecured objects, can smash through them. 

Shattered windows can cause serious injuries if you stand by. 

Besides, it can make your shelter exposed to the weather elements, and even increase internal pressure within your home, which jeopardizes its overall structural stability.

Stay away from windows

Listen to weather information 

During a hurricane, it’s crucial to keep updated information. 

Being aware of threats to your area through some useful sources, such as:

• Local and National Weather radio stations: Radios provide local and national weather broadcasts without relying on a public power grid. Make sure you identify and save the local weather radio stations when needed.

• TV: If the power is still on, local weather and news channels are a great source of information on your area’s status. 

• News and information websites: If the internet is still accessible, you can read news and information from credible websites like NOAA, Accuweather, Weather365,...

Stay informed about weather news

Hurricane prep list: After a Hurricane

What to do after a hurricane? Do you think it’s the end when a hurricane is over?

Sadly, the answer is no. After the hurricane, you should do:

• Stay indoors until it’s safe to return: Listen to the radio or TV for updates. 

• Avoid floodwaters: They can be contaminated or electrified. 

• Clean up debris: When the hurricane passes, you can start cleaning up debris and inspecting your home for damage.

• Return home only when authorities say it’s safe: You should just go outside, return home when there is an official announcement to return.

Clean debris after a hurricane

Conclusion

Have you completed your hurricane prep list? It is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones when a hurricane hits. A hurricane season is coming, and make sure you are ready to overcome the natural anger.