According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2019 is going to have a “near-normal” hurricane season. The forecast shows that there will be anywhere between two and four major hurricanes in 2019. While that might sound like a far cry from what is referred to as a typical hurricane season which sees about 12 named storms, three major hurricanes and six hurricanes, 2018 only saw two major hurricanes and both were direct hits which cost the U.S dozens of lives and billions of dollars in damages. So, a “near-normal” hurricane season may not be something worth smiling about just yet.
When Is Hurricane Season?
This is an annual event that sees the formation of tropical cyclones through the Northern Hemisphere. The Atlantic hurricane season 2019 officially began on Saturday, 1 June and will end on Saturday, 30 November. Even though experts say that this will be a near-normal hurricane season with only four major hurricanes expected, it’s still a good idea (potentially lifesaving) to be prepared for any eventuality. As such, you need to have a hurricane preparation checklist that you go over religiously as the seasons gets underway.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
The biggest issue with hurricane season is that it can completely shatter lives. Dozens, if not hundreds, of lives are lost each year due to the severity of different storms that directly hit mainland U.S. To try and minimize this loss of life and property; there are steps you can take to prepare for hurricane season. Here is a hurricane preparation checklist that will help you weather the storm safely, so to speak:
1. Have a Planned Evacuation Route Well in Advance
Those who live near the coast or in mobile homes have to evacuate in case of a major storm. In many cases, you will get instructions from your local government officials whether or not you will need to evacuate and how far in or out of the way you would have to go.
While it’s always a good idea to wait for official word for logistical reasons, the best thing you can do for your family is plan an evacuation route well in advance with the worst case scenario in mind. If a hurricane alert was issued today and you had less than 48 hours to evacuate what would you do?
- Create an evacuation plan for that particular disaster
- Have a clear picture of where all the nearest and safest shelters are located
- Take your pets into consideration
- Have a “go-bag” stocked with every essential that your entire family would need
- Make a trial run to iron out any concerns and kinks in the plan
It might seem silly, but these preparations you make will leave you better prepared when the pandemonium that comes with every emergency hits the local community.
2. Have a Checklist of the Non-Perishable Supplies that You Will Need
There is something about human nature that compels us to do things at the very last possible minute. Whenever a hurricane warning is issued, you will see people running to the stores for supplies. This creates chaos and shortages.
The best way to avoid all this is to have a list of all the non-perishable supplies that you will need should a hurricane hit and keep those safely on hand. This list should include things like:
- Batteries
- Lamps and candles if necessary
- Plywood, plastic sheeting, a hammer and other materials that you might need should you have to perform an emergency repair of your home
- Flashlights
- Any necessary prescription drugs
- A lot of drinking water (try to go for at least a three-day supply of clean drinking water for the whole family plus pets)
- Food that you don’t need to cook or refrigerate
- A fully stocked first aid kit and supplies
- An NOAA weather radio
Always make sure that your supplies for hurricane preparation are kept up to date. Use whatever is about to expire and replenish the supply as needed. These things all need to be a tidy package that you can haul with you at a moment’s notice.
3. Take an Inventory of Your Belongings and Review Your Insurance Policies
Hurricanes, even little ones, cause a lot of damage. Besides, there is a chance that during the melee, some unscrupulous individual may take that opportunity to go on a looting spree. It’s best to keep an inventory of all your personal belongings and review your insurance policies. Is your hurricane season insurance up to date and what does it cover? This is the kind of question you should be asking yourself beforehand.
4. Take the Necessary Steps to Protect Your Home and Property
While you and your family will get out of harm’s way using this checklist, your house or business won’t move with you. These properties will remain rooted in the path of the hurricane and may take quite a beating. The best way to prepare your property and give it a chance to withstand these storms is to take the necessary steps beforehand. Here are some things that you might need to do:
- Install storm shatters to keep your windows safe
- Cut or uproot weak trees and branches
- Make sure that your external doors are hurricane proof with at least three hinges and deadbolt locks
- Replace the gravel on your driveway with shredded bark that is lighter and doesn’t cause as much damage
- Ensure that your sliding glass doors are made out of tempered glass and covered with plywood during the storm
- Seal all wall openings on your outside walls. Things such as vents, electrical outlets and garden hose bibs. This helps to prevent strong winds from coming into your house and wreaking havoc
Even though you might have to be content with taking some losses during extreme hurricane seasons, 2019 isn’t forecast to be that at all. However, just because it’s forecast to be a near-normal season, you still need to be prepared. Ensure that you have all the necessary emergency contacts on hand and that your family knows exactly what to do should the worst happen.