Being in the middle of a hurricane is a terrifying experience, but there are plenty of things you can do to prevent damage to your home, call for help, and stay comfortable as it passes. It’s essential to prepare before a hurricane warning is initiated so you don’t face grocery stores or hardware store shortages. Use these 6 tips to bunker down during a hurricane successfully.
Create a Disaster Kit Before the Storm
Too many Americans don’t have disaster kits in their home, and it can cost them their lives or, at best, a lot of discomfort while waiting out the storm. Your disaster kit will include all the items you’ll need to hold out during the worst of it but will also keep you safe if you need to wait for emergency services, facing a blackout, or require general first aid.
Your distaste kit should always include a first-aid kit, important phone numbers, a map, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a light source, a whistle, and cash. You can also add a tent, small stove, a multi-purpose tool, toiletries, and other essential documents. Stock whatever you think you’ll need for at least a 2-week period, just to be safe. It’s better to have more than less.
Stock up on Non-Perishable Foods
The best disaster foods have a best-before-date that expires 2 years or more after purchase and is either in a can or sealable container. Dried canned beans, nut butter, canned fish, vegetables, and fruits, soups, and shelf-stable milks should always stay in your pantry. However, if you’re interested in specific brands, this emergency food brand review article can help you pick from the best options available. You can also stock grains, nuts, seeds, jerky, and granola bars because they have a typically long shelf and won’t spoil in a stable environment.
How to Survive During a Hurricane
Now that you have the supplies that will help you prepare when a hurricane is about to reach your home, immediately start putting precautions in place unless you’re told to evacuate. Once you’re caught in the storm, follow these rules to stay safe.
1. Stay Inside
No matter how safe it looks outside, never leave your home or apartment until you’re told it’s safe by local authorities. Driving or walking during a hurricane will put you at risk, and floodwaters can happen with a moment’s notice. Water that’s less than a foot deep could sweep you away, and heavy winds could tip your car or send you flying.
2. Shut all Doors and Windows
Walk around your dwellings and close all curtains and blinds, shut all windows and doors, and ensure you have some kind of buffer between you and breaking glass.
3. Never Tape or Crack Your Windows
A common myth is that taping your windows will prevent your windows from cracking, but what’s more likely to happen is a single pane of glass will shoot off and break on the ground. Prepare beforehand by installing storm shutters or plywood. Absolutely never pre-break your windows because you’ll let more wind and water into your home.
4. Stick to Lower Levels
If you live in an apartment building, leave your suite and go towards the basement. If you have a basement in your home, move to that level, otherwise stay at the bottom-most level of your home. You’re safest and more protected against high-winds and debris at a low level.
5. Shield Yourself if Possible
Put a table, a pillow, and a blanket in between yourself and any potential falling glass that could rain through from outside. If you don’t have loose cushions, turn over a sofa or mattress.
6. Other Tips
Practice these other valuable tips during the hurricane:
- Bring all pets inside
- Avoid using candles
- Prepare for potential flooding
- Turn off all utilities to prevent electric shock
When the wind dies down, stay in your home because a new wave of the storm is likely to run through your town. Only leave the house when it’s considered safe by authorities.