Hurricane Preps

In Advance of Hurricane Season

Have at least a two week’s supply of food & water, can opener
A portable stove of some type
Have BOB ready
Make sure you have Val Docs where you can get to them easily
Have at least 5-10 gallons of gas stored. More is better
Not a bad idea to have a large tarp or tarps in case of roof or window damage
Hand tools, rope, gloves, nails, screws to make repairs, charge up battery powered tools
Window protection – plywood, hurricane windows or shutters
First Aid kit – we should all have this anyway
Weather radio is a good idea, but at least have a battery powered radio
Flashlights, candles, matches, batteries, battery powered lanterns, solar charger
Cell phone back up charger, car charger
Have at least a two week supply of cash on hand
Make sure you have a weapon for self-defense – in case of looting
Fire extinguisher, duct tape
Disposable plates and silverware, cooler
Bleach (non-scented), paper towels, trash bags, disinfectant, Bug spray
If you have pets/animals, make sure you have extra food and water for them
Pressure canner and jars to preserve frozen foods if power is off
Water filter and/or purification tablets, surgical masks (N-95)
Gas powered chain saw – there will be a lot of downed trees which may inhibit driving
Have extra medications, supplements, etc.
Have a plan ahead of time – family communication, meeting place, etc.
All members of the household agree on an emergency contact out of the area to use as a via
Have a bug out location picked out ahead of time. Hotels will fill fast
Be aware if your home is in a flood zone. To do this, go to following link:
http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/knowyourzone.htm
If you have a boat or trailer, have a place to move it to
Generators should be run monthly to make sure they are running properly and in good order
When testing generators, either run under a load or test output
Clean out all rain gutters
Have a sanitation plan in case sewers are not working – Koreen
Trim trees near house
Take photos of home and contents and put on flash drive

If a hurricane is coming in our direction

Be prepared to make a decision on whether to evacuate or not
Keep in mind that storm surges can be 20′ above sea level if you are near water
Fill all vehicles with gas, check oil, water, tires, etc.
Emergency car kit – flares, jumper cables, tire patch, maps, flashlights, etc.
Cover all windows of house
Gather up all small and loose objects in the yard – put in house or garage
Monitor TV or radio closely
Turn freezer on lowest temp setting
If you don’t have a way of keeping your fridge runnning, buy ice
Fill tub and other containers with water
Reinforce garage door or park vehicles in front of it
Turn off natural gas until storm passes
If you evacuate, turn off main breaker

During Storm – if staying at home

Close all doors and curtains
If storm is bad, go to windowless room, closet or hallway on bottom floor