Considering the devastation that Hurricane Katrina brought to New Orleans, it’s quite obvious that America is now aware how much damage a hurricane can cause in a just a short of period of time. If you are caught unprepared for this natural disaster, it could not only cause you immense inconvenient—it could cost you your life as well. Needless to say, ample preparation should be done, especially if you live in a hurricane prone area.
Hurricane season preparation
Do not wait for a hurricane warning before you prepare for the calamity. As soon as you enter the hurricane season, make sure you are prepared. The following should give you enough protection and guarantee of safety against the effects of a hurricane:
• Information: The best way of safeguarding your family against the ills of the hurricane is to make sure you receive information regarding this disaster. In addition, be aware of your community’s calamity plans and rules. Will they have a relief and evacuation centers? Does the community have evacuation plans? These will be your prime options in case the hurricane season causes immense destruction.
• Home preparation: Before you pack the things you will need in case of the hurricane, make sure important items inside your home are safe against floodwater. If you are in a hurricane prone area, buy a waterproof container for your important papers and documents. Expensive furniture and equipment should be permanently placed on the upper levels of your house, in case of floods. Cover windows and glass doors when a hurricane is approaching.
• Be ready: Instruct your children of what to do in case of hurricane-induced calamity. Take especially note of what to do in case you get separated. Make a list of emergency numbers as well, although be prepared for government inaction (or slow action) in case of wide spread calamity.
• Pets: As with New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, pets are usually forgotten and left to die during natural calamities. This shouldn’t be the case. Make sure you make the proper arrangements for your pets during the hurricane season, and make sure you can bring them in case you evacuate. This means getting cages for your pets.
• Cars: During the hurricane season, always fill up the gas tank of your car. In case of the sudden need for evacuation, you may not get the chance to fill it up at a gas station. Gas stations could run out of gas during the hurricane season, especially in the hurricane prone area.
• Emergency kit: Having an emergency kit is important—having and not having one could make the difference between life and death. But what should the kit contain? Of course, the proper types of food should be prepared. This means canned food and food items that are not perishable. This way, you can prepare these types of foods way before the hurricane hit your area. Water good enough for five days to a week, first-aid kit (as well as medications for possible illnesses and injuries you can get during prolonged flooding and exposure to rain and flood water), flashlights with fresh and reserve batteries, a fire extinguisher, and a kit for your car should be included in your emergency kit as well.