A Better Answer Blog

Hurricane season is upon us. Last year we had Harvey down in Houston, and this year Florence is here. Every year it’s important to stay safe if you live in the coastal cities that could be in the path of a hurricane.

It’s vital to take the necessary precautions before a storm makes landfall. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things you can do to prepare for a hurricane.

1. Create a Plan

One of the most important things you should have is a plan in case of an emergency. Where will your family meet, what evacuation centers are closest, and which will take your pets. Your emergency plan can be prepared anytime to make sure your family and loved ones know what to do no matter where they are.

2. Stock Up on Essentials

One of the most important things in a storm is clean water. Make sure that you have a reserve of water or methods to purify water that may be contaminated. You can purchase bottled water and filtration systems to be safe. It’s important to also have some non-perishables and food that will keep you nourished if the storm stays longer than expected.

Think ahead when stocking up, as stores will try to stock as much as they can but often run low on important items in the last hours.

3. Find Ways to Stay in Touch

This doesn’t just mean keeping in contact with family; it also means having access to notifications on when the storm will pass, or if it will get worse.

Sites like CNN offer text-only versions of their news articles during hurricanes to make it easier to reach the important news when you have poor service or limited internet access.

Consider short-range communication like walkie-talkies as backup in case you lose power and landlines. There are many different kinds that offer varying amounts of durability, and some are even waterproof.

You can also use an answering service for personal communication with a family safety contact line to make sure that your family always knows where to call if you get separated. The way our service works is that we assign a number that friends and family can contact in case of an emergency, or notify them of a location to meet up or any other type of information that needs to be relayed.

4. Prepare Your House

Loose debris from your yard can become dangerous once winds rise. Make sure you clear your yard and remove anything that could fly around and cause damage to your home. Make sure you reinforce windows by boarding them up, that you have supplies easily accessible and create a safe space away from the windows.

Above all, stay safe. Take the precautions ahead of time. When in doubt, The National Hurricane Center has a preparedness guide that covers essential information about how to build an emergency plan and who you should contact in the case of an emergency.