Rock You Like a Hurricane: Tips to Prepare for an Incoming Storm
We are finding there is a seemingly infinite amount of new things we will have to learn and adjust for ahead of our move from the desert (Phoenix, Arizona) to an island in Central America (Ambergris Caye, Belize).
While it is a few years off, we are trying to prepare for our new lives in the tropics, and with Hurricane Lisa bearing down on Belize, we are trying to learn FAST.
Program emergency numbers in your cell phone — medical, ambulance, coast guard, rescue, utilities….be sure to write them down, as well, in case power is out for a long duration and you are unable to charge your phone!
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit — Drinking water, non-perishable food that requires minimal or no preparation, toiletries and disinfectants, first aid kit, medications, important papers and documents, flashlights and batteries.
Drinking water — store at least 1 gallon per person and per pet per day, for at least a 3 day duration. Pregnant women, babies, the elderly, or ill may require more. Err on the side of caution! The CDC recommends a 2 week supply if possible.
Locate the nearest shelter, and how to get there. Plan multiple routes, as some may become impassible.
If you own pets, don’t forget to plan for them! Have food, medicines and other items in your emergency kit. Find out if the hurricane shelter location allows pets, and if not, identify a pet-friendly hotel or out-of-town friend or family that could assist in caring for them during the storm.
Get Your Home and Property Ready
- Clean your yard — anything that is out can become an airborne projectile! Secure lawn equipment, toys, furniture, grills and propane tanks inside, or at least under a shelter.
- Protect windows and doors. Use storm shutters or secure pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. You don’t want them broken not only because they are expensive to replace, but also from a safety standpoint — shattered glass + high winds = disaster! And you will be letting rain and debris into your home, as well.
- Be ready to turn off your power. In the event of flooding, downed power lines, or if you have to leave your home, switch your main breaker off.
- Prep clean drinking water. You can also fill up bathtubs and/or sinks for additional water for cleaning.
Should you stay or should you go?
Always listen to authorities regarding whether you should evacuate or stay at home.
If authorities issue an evacuation notice, do not hesitate — EVACUATE! Your property is not worth losing your life over, and even a well-built home can crumble in a hurricane!
Alternately, you may hear an order to stay home — this is most likely if driving conditions are more dangerous than staying put. Again, heed the advice of the experts!
If you need to evacuate:
- Grab your emergency supply kit and only take what you absolutely need with you (cell phone, chargers, medicines, identification like a passport or driver’s license, and money).
- Unplug your appliances. If you have time, turn off the electricity, gas and water services.
- Follow the evacuation routes, even if there’s traffic — they were set for a specific reason: they are the safest route to get as many people to safety as possible!
If you are told to shelter in place:
- Keep your emergency supply kit handy.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the hurricane’s progress and path.
- Stay inside. This is not the time to become Insta-famous by posting video updates. The weather may look clear, but you also may be in the eye of the hurricane, so wait for the official “all clear” announcement!
- Avoid windows and glass doors — they could shatter in the storm! Ideally, hunker down in an interior room, or a bathroom without windows.
- Be ready to leave, if ordered — the storm may damage your home, and the authorities may determine you would be safer at a friend’s home or shelter.
With the above tips, you should be prepared to weather the storm….but remember to be flexible and ready to change up your plan if instructed to do so!
