Hurricane Prep List

I just went through two major storms in my life; Wilma and Irma. So, in addition I have learned a lot about what you need to do before a hurricane or a big storm hits.

Stocking Supplies

• Water – 1 Gallon per person per day. Plus pets, and possibly 3 to 7 gallions for each toilet flush.
• Food – Items that use little water and no refrigeration are best. Example; peanut butter, canned foods, dried foods, etc.
• Babies, Elderly, and Pets – Stock up on their food, medicine, and basic care items. After Wilma, I say two weeks worth.

Prep Outside Your Home

• Clear gutters, down spouts, and pop up drains.
• Clear the yard of all furniture, toys, flower pots….anything that the wind can blow should be in a garage or secure building.
• Homes near the coast need to be boarded  up with hurricane shutters or 5/8″ plywood.
• Clear 4-6″ below weep holes or siding all around the house.

Prep Inside Your Home

• Clean and fill bathtubs with water.
• Use long-lasting LED lanterns and flashlights. Be very careful if you use candles, never sleep with them lit.
• Have a NOAA Emergency Radio on hand.
• Freeze blocks of ice in plastic containers. They’ll keep fridge colder, longer if you lose power. Drink that water later.

General Safety

• Should part of your family evacuate, just in case? Think about babies, disabled, and elderly trying to escape in a boat.
• Carry a paper map, in case internet service is lost.
• Do not operate dangerous items indoors: most grills, fires, and stoves. Also, only run your car outside the garage.
• Check for structural safety before entering a flooded home.

During The Storm

• Listen to NOAA radio stations for warnings and latest information.
• Use only paper dishes and plastic ware to save water.
• Plan ahead to keep kids busy during long power outages. Puzzles, games, crafts, books….things that don’t use power.
• Check ceilings, doors, windows, and baseboards for water. Look in every room and closet during the storm.

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