How to Prepare for Hurricanes: A Beginner’s Guide
Hurricanes are powerful and unpredictable storms that can cause severe damage and disruption to your home and community. They can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, storm surges, tornadoes and power outages. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you need to be prepared for the possibility of evacuation or sheltering in place. In this beginner’s guide, we will show you some essential items you should pack in your emergency kit and car for hurricanes. We will also give you some tips on how to stay safe and informed during and after the storm.
What is an Emergency Kit and Why Do You Need One?
An emergency kit is a collection of basic items that you and your family may need in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. It can help you survive on your own for several days, until help arrives or conditions improve. Having an emergency kit can also reduce the stress and anxiety that come with a crisis situation. You should keep your kit in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or a plastic bin, and store it in a cool, dry place. You should also check your kit regularly and update it as needed.
An emergency kit can help you:
Stay hydrated and nourished with water and food
Stay informed with radio and NOAA Weather Radio
Stay safe with first aid kit, flashlight, whistle and personal hygiene items
Stay connected with cell phone, charger and important documents
Stay comfortable with clothing, blankets, sleeping bags and other items
Your emergency kit is a collection of basic items that you and your family may need in the event of a hurricane or other disaster. It can help you survive on your own for several days, until help arrives or conditions improve. Having an emergency kit can also reduce the stress and anxiety that come with a crisis situation. You should keep your kit in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or a plastic bin, and store it in a cool, dry place. You should also check your kit regularly and update it as needed.
Your emergency kit should include the following items:
Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. You can also fill bathtubs and sinks with water before the storm hits. Water is essential for life, and you may not have access to clean water sources during or after a disaster. You can also use water purification tablets, filters or boiling methods to make water safe to drink.
Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruits, nuts, etc. Don’t forget a manual can opener and utensils. Food can provide you with energy and nutrients, and help you cope with stress. Choose foods that are easy to prepare, store and consume, and that suit your dietary needs and preferences. Avoid foods that are salty, spicy or require refrigeration or cooking.
Radio: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert to receive emergency alerts and updates. Make sure you have extra batteries or a solar charger. A radio can keep you informed of the situation, the weather, the evacuation orders and the recovery efforts. It can also provide you with entertainment and comfort. Tune in to local stations or NOAA Weather Radio for reliable information and instructions.
Flashlight: a flashlight or lantern to provide light in case of power outage. Again, have extra batteries or a solar charger handy. A flashlight can help you see in the dark, signal for help, avoid hazards and find your way. It can also be used as a self-defense tool if needed. Choose a flashlight that is durable, waterproof and bright enough for your needs.
First aid kit: a basic first aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic, pain relievers, scissors, tweezers, etc. You should also include any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and medical devices that you or your family members need. A first aid kit can help you treat minor injuries and illnesses, prevent infections and reduce pain. It can also save lives in case of serious injuries or medical emergencies. Make sure you know how to use the items in your kit and follow the directions on the labels.
Personal hygiene items: moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, masks, feminine supplies, etc. These items will help you maintain sanitation and prevent the spread of germs. They can also make you feel more comfortable and dignified during a stressful time. Pack enough for each person in your household and store them in ziplock bags or waterproof containers.
Important documents: copies of insurance policies, identification cards, bank account records, medical records, contact information, etc. You should store these documents in a waterproof, portable container or save them electronically on a flash drive or cloud service. These documents can help you prove your identity, claim your benefits, access your accounts and contact your loved ones. They can also help you recover faster from the disaster’s impacts.
Cash: some cash or traveler’s checks in case ATMs are not working or credit cards are not accepted. Cash can help you pay for essential goods and services that may not be available through other means during or after a disaster. It can also be used as a bargaining tool if needed. Keep small bills and coins in a secure place and do not flaunt them in public.
Other items: depending on your family’s needs, you may also want to pack some extra clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, pet food and supplies, baby formula and diapers, fire extinguisher, matches, books, games, and other sources of entertainment.
What to Pack in Your Emergency Kit for Car
If you have to evacuate by car or get stranded on the road during a hurricane, you need to have some supplies in your vehicle as well. Your car emergency kit should include the following items:
Spare tire: a properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod jack in case of a flat tire. A flat tire can be a serious problem during a hurricane, especially if you are driving on flooded or debris-covered roads. Having a spare tire and the tools to change it can save you time and trouble. Check your tire pressure and condition regularly and replace them if needed.
Jumper cables: jumper cables to start your car if the battery dies. A dead battery can leave you stranded and vulnerable during a hurricane. Having jumper cables can help you restart your car or get help from another driver. Learn how to use jumper cables safely and correctly before you need them.
Tool kit: a tool kit or a multipurpose utility tool to fix minor car problems or break windows if needed. A tool kit can help you repair minor damages to your car, such as a broken headlight, a loose hose or a cracked belt. A multipurpose utility tool can also be used as a hammer, a knife, a screwdriver or a plier. You may also need to break your car windows if they are jammed or submerged in water. Have a window breaker or a heavy object ready for this purpose.
Visibility items: reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers or rescuers. You can also use your hazard lights or horn to signal for help. Visibility items can help you avoid collisions and attract attention during a hurricane. Place reflective triangles behind your car to warn other drivers of your presence. Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or door handle to indicate that you need help. Use your hazard lights or horn intermittently to conserve battery power and avoid noise pollution.
Compass: a compass to help you navigate if you get lost or GPS is not working. A compass can help you find your direction and location during a hurricane, especially if you are driving in unfamiliar areas or if your GPS is not working due to power outage or signal interference. Learn how to use a compass and read a map before you need them.
Other items: you should also have some water, food, radio, flashlight, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, important documents and cash in your car emergency kit as well. These items are similar to those in your home emergency kit, but they should be smaller and more portable. You may need them if you have to stay in your car for a long time or if you have to leave your car and walk to safety. Pack enough for each person in your car and store them in waterproof bags or containers.
Conclusion
Being prepared for hurricanes can make a big difference in your safety and comfort during and after the storm. By packing these essential items in your emergency kit and car for hurricanes, you can reduce the risk of injury, illness and stress. You can also cope better with the challenges and uncertainties that come with a disaster situation. In this guide, we have shown you how to:
Pack your emergency kit for home or evacuation, including water, food, radio, flashlight, first aid kit, personal hygiene items, important documents and cash
Pack your car emergency kit, including spare tire, jumper cables, tool kit, visibility items and compass
Use your emergency kit during a hurricane, including staying informed, safe, hydrated, nourished, warm, dry, calm and positive
Use your emergency kit after a hurricane, including staying informed, safe, hydrated, nourished, warm, dry, calm and positive
Remember to check your kit regularly and update it as needed. Stay safe and stay informed!
meta description: Learn what to pack in your emergency kit and car for hurricanes in this beginner’s guide. Find out how to use your kit during and after the storm. Stay safe and informed!
