Prepare for the Next Hurricane North Carolina

(ARA) – Images of communities devastated last year by extreme weather may have you wondering how you can protect your family in the face of Mother Nature’s wrath. The best defense is to be prepared before a storm or hurricane is headed towards your home.. Always be ready to get your loved ones to a safe place or evacuate if required.

Storms can bring winds of 100 mph or faster, and can push tons of rainwater ahead of them. All storms can bring danger and damage when they hit, so be ready and safe. Here is what to do to prepare for a storm -- more may be required for each family depending on the circumstance, but start with some basics. Remember, utilities and basic services could be unavailable for days or even weeks.

1. Pick a safe place for the family. This may be a location in your home -- consider a windowless room on the bottom floor. It could be a relative’s home or other location if your home doesn't have a safe area. You should know the locations of at least two emergency shelters near your home. People with special medical needs should contact the county agencies in advance to make prior arrangements for transportation to a safe spot.

2. Have a family communications plan. Family can become separated before or after a storm. Have a prearranged meeting place and time if all else fails. Designate a prime family contact person. Be sure everyone in the family knows who the contact person is and all members carry phone numbers in their wallet or purse.

3. Get your home ready. Close the hurricane shutters, if you have them; use extra screws and washers to secure. Sheets of plywood, precut to fit your windows, will also work well. Cover all the windows if you can. Remove everything loose from your yard and store it in the garage. Do not wait until the rain starts. Watch the news when a storm is approaching and protect your home.

4. Keep your cars and other vehicles full of gasoline. Keep your car filled with at least half a tank of fuel throughout hurricane season. Use a fuel stabilizer and a water remover like Sta-Bil and HEET in the tank at all times. You may have to evacuate if the situation warrants.

5. Those with a back-up generator or a chain saw should have Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer and at least an extra couple of proper gasoline cans filled and stabilized for safe refueling when needed. When a storm approaches, lines at the gas station will get long . Many gas stations will run out of gas before the storm hits. You need to have enough gas to safely refuel emergency equipment. Sta-Bil brand Fuel Stabilizer helps keep all fuel fresh, and equipment ready to go at all times especially during uncertain times, like in the event of supply problems during a hurricane. A hurricane recently caused a dramatic drop in the supply of gasoline by affecting the distribution service stations system and pipelines.

6. Stock up on food and water. You should have enough nonperishable food and water in your home to last the family for at least a few weeks. Buy and rotate fresh supplies to replace old, purchase new canned goods every few years and rotate the rest through your pantry. Bottled water should be replaced every year.

7. Prepare other disaster supplies. You'll need to stock up on batteries, flashlights, rope, tarps, plastic bags, bad-weather clothing and other essentials enough to carry your family through the aftermath of the storm.

Emergency supplies that you will need: (not in any order)

Drinking water - at least 2 to 3 quarts per person per day. This includes wash water in case you don’t have running water.)

Nonperishable food (cans and a can opener, pots or cooking pans) MRE’s energy bars

Extra batteries for flashlights and radios

First aid kit

Medication for all family members

1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach

Flashlights

Battery-operated radio

Cash

Toiletries and toilet paper

Clothing and rain gear

Extra gasoline in approved storage can

Enough fuel for a generator or a chain saw

Plastic trash bags and duct tape. Cut a hole in the bottom and arm holes in the sides for rain gear. They also work for weather proofing your stuff.

Keep important documents (insurance policies, etc.) with you and check your insurance coverage. Write down all the contact information and policy numbers and put this into a waterproof resealable plastic bag. Do a room-by-room inventory with any serial numbers for insurance purposes.

Remember, a few hours of preparation can spare you a lot of grief, and help protect your loved ones.

Courtesy of ARA Content