How to keep your household safe: Preparing for hurricanes

Hurricanes are a continued, seasonal occurrence along the coasts. They often incite panic or, at the very least, feelings of strong concern. However, there are a few ways to quell those feelings and keep you and your household safe, such as preparing for the storm.

Keep these key tips in mind when hurricane prepping for the next hurricane season.

Hurricane & tropical storm warnings

There is a bright side to a hurricane or tropical storm heading in your direction: they give you plenty of warning. Because hurricanes are such large, slow-moving weather events, most emergency stations run by an official government organization or trusted weather sources will have an estimate of when they may hit land.

If you come across a hurricane watch, be sure to keep up-to-date on weather occurrences via news channels or your favorite weather app. A watch typically means the conditions are right for one, but one hasn't formed. However, if you encounter a hurricane warning, seek shelter immediately. A hurricane is approaching your region during this signal.

What do you need to prepare for a hurricane?

Typically, ensuring you have emergency supplies such as enough bottled water for one to two weeks, first aid kits, non-perishable foods and hand-cranked gear, such as radios and chargers, are great places to start preparing. If you have foliage against your home or any small items that could be used as projectiles, trim back the plants and secure the small items indoors.

Storm shutters, storm windows and doors, sand for high-flood-risk areas of your home and an emergency kit with personal, mandatory medicines and other items are typically excellent choices when beginning to fortify your home.

How do you stay safe during a hurricane?

Hurricane safety typically entails finding a designated storm shelter or getting your home ready for you and your loved ones to wait through it. Stay away from windows or doors. Avoid downed power lines if you must go outside for any reason, though it is highly recommended to stay indoors.

Make sure everyone in your household knows the evacuation plan in case you get split up. Shelter locations should also be shared should anyone in your household be away from home as the storm hits, or if you and your loved ones need to evacuate your home.

What should you do during a storm?

If you're waiting out the hurricane force winds and downpours, make sure you're safe and have a means of communication or knowing what's happening outside. Otherwise, regardless of your sheltering location, it's best to wait out the storm.

Hurricanes are a fact of life for many coastal communities along the Atlantic. In fact, most have emergency plan signs, reminders and detailed designated postings outlining hurricane evacuation zones.

So, if you ever find yourself in the path of a storm, take these tips into consideration and stay informed via official channels to know when the storm breaks, and it's safe to venture out again.