Hurricanes aren’t just a “maybe it’ll miss us” kind of problem. When a storm is on its way, time is your most valuable resource. And what you do before the wind and rain hit can make all the difference.
Whether you’ve been through storm seasons before or it’s your first time living near the coast, knowing what to do before a hurricane arrives is critical. You not only need to survive but also take steps to minimize damage, reduce stress, and protect the people and things that you love.
Here’s a guide to help you prepare.
Have an Emergency Plan
Before you run out of bottled water and batteries, start with the basics. What’s your plan?
Make sure you know the:
- Evacuation route. Look for the best routes in your area.
- Shelter plan. If you don’t plan to evacuate, identify the safest room in your home – usually a space with no windows.
- Emergency contacts. Write down phone numbers and give them to each family member.
- Pet plan. If you have pets, keep some crates, food, and paperwork in case you need to evacuate.
This is also the time to communicate your plan to everyone in your household. Sit together and consult this hurricane preparedness guide from Western Union instead of assuming they will figure it out in the moment.
Build a Hurricane Emergency Kit
You’ll want enough supplies to survive at least 72 hours without power or clean water. Your kit should include:
- Non-perishable food
- Drinking water
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid supplies
- Medications
- Cash
- Power banks
- Important documents, preferably in a waterproof bag
Also, don’t forget comfort items, such as snacks or books. They can go a long way when you’re stuck indoors with no Wi-Fi or electricity.
Secure Your Home
Protect your property before the wind and debris start flying. Because if you’re not evacuating, it’s your only safe place.
Focus on the:
- Windows. Install storm shutters or board them up with plywood.
- Loose items. Bring in outdoor furniture, tools, and anything that could become airborne.
- Roof. Secure loose shingles and clean out gutters to prevent flooding and water leaks.
- Trees and branches. Trim any that could fall on your house or power lines.
Taking these steps early can reduce costly damage and keep you safer.
Gather Important Documents
No one wants to deal with paperwork during a storm. But knowing what’s covered in your insurance before you need to make a claim can save you a lot of stress.
Review your home insurance policy and make sure it covers hurricane-related damage. Other important documents to store include:
- IDs
- Health information
- Banking documents
If evacuation becomes necessary, these documents can be critical.
Stay Informed and Connected
Before a storm hits, make sure you have all the information and are looped in.
Check:
- Weather apps and alerts. Download a few reliable apps with push notifications.
- Local news or radio. Keep a battery-powered radio handy in case the internet or cell services go down.
- Emergency alerts. Sign up for text alerts from local authorities and emergency services.
- Money transfer services. In case you need to send or receive funds, consider setting up services like Western Union, which can be accessed even if local banking systems are disrupted.
Make sure you keep your devices charged in the days leading up to the storm. This includes your phones, laptops, and power banks.
Make sure you keep your devices charged in the days leading up to the storm. This includes your phones, laptops, and power banks.
