Tips for Staying Safe During Tropical Storms and Hurricanes
For those living in coastal regions, tropical storms and hurricanes are a common event, but many people are unprepared for the worst when it comes. By learning about preparedness and what actions to take to protect their homes, belongings and loved ones, people can learn to avoid the peril of these weather patterns and stay safe.
Plan ahead
The key to staying safe during a tropical storm or hurricane is to create a plan before the storm strikes. This involves making sure your family knows how to deal with personal injuries, cope with power outages and put the evacuation plan into action. Every home should have a detailed list of emergency contacts and should also make prior arrangements for pets before the storm.
Keep a supply of provisions
When a storm strikes, it often means that clean drinking water, food and other supplies are not readily available. This means that families should keep a stockpile of essential items in their own home. Many call it an emergency kit and there are several standard items that it should contain. The most important part of the emergency kit is water. Keep enough on hand for the entire household to drink for two weeks. In addition, stock the pantry with non-perishable food items, such as canned foods, dry goods and high energy foods like granola bars. Other essential items for an emergency kit are a first-aid kit, batteries, flashlights, blankets, extra clothing and a battery operated radio to stay informed with breaking news. Another tip is to keep the gas tank on the family car full in case an evacuation is necessary.
Secure the home
When the storm is on its way, it is the time to secure the home to prevent unnecessary damage. Boarding up windows and attaching storm shutters helps prevent glass from breaking and potentially harming a loved one. Anything that can blow away, such as garbage cans and garden planters needs securing via ropes or chains.
By preparing before a storm, people have the best chance at keeping their loved ones safe and secure. Keeping the proper provisions in the home ensures that everyone remains happy and healthy, and securing objects in and around the house can prevent damage to the home, as well as harm to family members and others. With all those things taken care of, surviving a storm is much less of a headache.