Is a Hurricane Preparation Checklist Essential?

By Angie Meza

When the month of June rolls around, many millions of people who live in vulnerable areas around the United States hold their breath at the start of storm season. News organizations tell them that they should compile hurricane preparation checklists and warn everyone not to be complacent, even if recent seasons have been somewhat tame.

Hurricane preparation checklists are essential for anyone who live on the Atlantic seaboard, in Florida or in the Gulf states. These are the areas that are historically troubled by tropical cyclones the most and a very significant portion of the US population is in potential danger.

Your hurricane preparation checklist should be comprehensive and dependent upon exactly where you live. Different areas require different levels of participation. For example, if you live inland near Dallas for example, you will not likely receive the worst effects of a major storm, but if you live on the beach in Miami you are at greatest risk.

Many people say that they will make the ultimate plans depending on the actual threat caused by a storm, its strength and so on. Remember that your family is your main concern when you are getting your hurricane preparation checklist together. Know what evacuation routes are available to you and get in touch with family or friends who live in safer locations well ahead of time to prepare.

Bad storms will bring with them serious weather. As your home is your most valuable asset you must make sure that if protection is included within your hurricane preparation checklist, whether you were going to be inside when the storm hits or not. Get ready to take anything that could be blown around inside your garage, fix any loose items on your roof and trim back your branches now.

You will need an adequate list of disaster supplies and should itemize them on your hurricane preparation checklist. A battery operated radio and a first-aid kit is at the top, and then make sure that you have flashlights and batteries as well. Each person will need a gallon of water per day to drink and any food that you retain should be nonperishable and ideally able to eat without having to be cooked.

Wind driven rain can be one of the biggest problems during a major storm. Stock up on hurricane socks before the season stats. These are amazing products that can be scrunched up and made to fit snugly in all doorways and windows. When the storm approaches, the force of the wind driven rain and mild flooding will be stopped as these socks will absorb the moisture and save all your other valuables.

You do not need to worry about being taken off guard by a hurricane, as our forecasting system is top notch. Make sure that you have a timeline associated with your hurricane preparation checklist, so that you know what to do and how far in advance that you need to do it. - 29955

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