Did you know that the United States coastline gets five hurricanes every three years?

Regardless of your location, you must be hurricane ready. It’s not easy to recover from the property damage made by these natural calamities. Without proper preparations, you won’t stand a chance.

Don’t feel discouraged yet.

In this guide, we’ll discuss hurricane preparedness. That way, you won’t suffer from unnecessary ruin when disaster strikes. Read on and find out what you must do:

1. Make an Evacuation Plan

When fleeing your house ahead of a hurricane, the old adage “run from the water, hide from the wind” comes in mind. Before anything catastrophic happens, make the effort and know your location’s vulnerabilities.

Ask yourself whether your area is prone to flooding. Check your access points and see if you have more ways of getting in and out. Survey the landscape and check the possible hazard you might navigate once things turn out for the worst.

Always pay attention to the weather forecasts like the tropical cyclone advisories by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If local emergency officials request for an immediate evacuation, follow through without question.

Think about the ways you can get out when it’s time. Map your route and plot alternatives when they become inaccessible. Make the effort to secure your house and all outdoor items since they might become projectile hazards.

Plan out the place to go when the hurricane hits. Your ideal plan includes both family members and friends. Don’t rely too much on public shelters since they aren’t utopias.

Know What to Bring on a Public Shelter

If you decide to seek shelter in this place, know the things you can bring. For example, most public shelters won’t allow animals. That’s why if you evacuate with pets, look for pet-friendly alternatives instead.

2. Make a Go-Kit

A go-kit isn’t a pack exclusively for survival-related items. You must also get some things worth using every day. For example, the most important items the kit must have are non-perishable food and water good for a week.

If you’re evacuating using your vehicle, ensure it has a full tank. Store some car keys in case you lose the original one in all the confusion. While you’re at it, get some cash since banks and ATMs might not work even after the storm subsides.

Are you battling a condition like diabetes? In that case, put two weeks’ worth of medical supplies along with insulin in the kit. That way, you won’t get into medical trouble while things settle down.

Get some hygiene items like soap and toilet paper. If you have children in tow, get some baby wipes, diapers, and other necessary supplies for them. Again, it’s important to have enough supply for two weeks.

You must also pack various gadgets like cell phones, emergency radios, and flashlights. Get the battery-operated ones with chargers and spare batteries. That way, you won’t risk getting cut off.

3. Review Your Insurance Policies

After the hurricane subsides, life will go on. That’s why it’s essential to know whether you can protect yourself from financial ruin. Work with a hurricane insurance claim lawyer to understand your insurance policy.

Ask about your coverage and check whether it’s enough to get your home repaired or rebuilt. When appropriate, see if the policy covers the loss of your belongings. In most cases, homeowner insurance only covers for temporary repairs necessary for hurricane damage.

These insurance policies also cover additional living expenses above its normal counterpart, as long as it’s within reason. This only applies when you must relocate after the disaster. An example of these expenses includes transportation fees to work if your temporary home is far from it.

But, homeowner’s insurance policies exclude flood damage. That’s why you must consider getting flood insurance for hurricane assistance. Living by the coast is hazardous too, so consider getting another policy to cover wind-related damage.

4. Be Creative on Managing Resources

Having a mindset of perpetual preparedness is one of the best ways to deal with hurricanes. It’s possible without an extensive budget since you can either use your belongings or the community’s resources. Creativity can get you far, as long as you’re willing to compromise.

For example, stockpiling water for emergencies is easy: clean juice bottles with a bleach solution and store clean water there. As for food, a trip to the local food bank can secure you something to eat.

If you have disabilities or have chronic medical needs, notify your local responders. That way, they’ll come to your aid when you evacuate. It also applies to people without a reliable means of transportation.

Your local government will often allow you to register ahead of time. If you do, you’re letting authorities know you need a ride to evacuate. Otherwise, you’ll have no means of leaving before the hurricane strikes.

5. Take the Threat Seriously

With climate change, natural disasters are more devastating than ever. Storms have more power and move faster than their predecessors. The worst part is that they’re also increasing in size, meaning it costs more to deal with them.

These storms are making more damage compared to the ones from a decade ago. That’s why it costs more for everyone to recover from it. It’s especially since they’re coming at a much higher frequency.

What to Do When Returning Home After Hurricanes

The first thing you must do is to listen to the local officials. They’ll often hand out information and special instructions. That way, you know it’s safe to return home.

When cleaning up your home, wear protective clothing and work in groups. Never touch any electrical equipment if you’re standing in water. Always turn off the main breaker or fuse box to eliminate any risk of electrocution.

Be Hurricane Ready Today!

These are some things you must do to be hurricane ready. Use this guide as soon as possible. That way, you won’t panic once the worst happens.

Did this post help you prepare? Are you looking for more survival tips and tricks? If so, read our other posts and learn more today.