Hurricane Season 2013-Tips for Getting Prepared-What You Can Do NOW!
Kathy listed some great items to have ready in case a storm hits. You have to be prepared in just in case something does come our way. Thanks for Posting this Kathy.
Hurricane Season 2013- Tips for Getting Prepared-What You Can Do NOW!
The 2013 Hurricane Season (June 1) is expected to be an above-average season and for those of
us in Palm Beach County that means making sure you’re prepared NOW!
We’ve been very lucky these past yearsbut we can’t take that for granted. The best thing you can do for you and for you family is to do what you can to be prepared should a hurricane strike here.
Be Prepared- Don’t say “I should get ready” Just do it!
Here’s what you can do now to get prepared for the hurricane season!
1. Know What To Do! Don’t wait until the last minute to find out what to do from your local news station. There are many resources including the National Hurricane Center, FEMA and our own Palm Beach County government services.
2. Check your insurance policies. You need to find out when insurance companies will cease writing new policies and what your policy covers. If you want to be covered for flood damage you will need a separate flood insurance policy.
3. Create a “TO GO” box. This is something you can quickly grab should you have to evacuate.
4. Locate and Have Ready & Secure Your Important Numbers. This includes insurance policies, contact numbers for friends and family, account numbers and passwords. Most of us have much of our information stored in the clouds, but not everything is! Don’t forget doctor’s numbers, prescriptions, and medical records.
5. Create a Family Plan and discuss it with your family. If you have young children you can get them involved and help alleviate their fears by discussing what might happen and what your plans are. They can pack their own little “ToGo” backpack.
6. Know Before You Go! If you have to evacuate know where the hurricane shelters are. If you have pets, you will need to find out which shelters accept pets. If you go to a shelter you will need to bring identification and a utility bill. Do not rely solely on your GPS. Get a real map.
7. Don’t Sink Your Boat! If your boat is in the water you will need to decide how to secure it. Have extra rope on hand to allow for rising waters. If you want to store it elsewhere don’t wait until a hurricane to make arrangements.
8. Start collecting your water! Remember....1 gallon per person per day. Everytime you go to the store, pick up 2 or 3 gallons of water. Don’t wait until everyone else is running to the store for this!
Check your supply of batteries and flashlights.
9. If you have hurricane shutters, locate them and make sure you know how to install them. When a hurricane is approaching, trying to get someone to come out and install them could prove to be difficult.
If you do not have shutters and plan on boarding up your windows get the boards cut NOW. Mark
which window they go to .DO NOT tape your windows. Instead of small bits of glass flying at you, taping them could create large glass shards coming at you.
10. Get comfortable Texting. When everyone is trying to call, texting is often the best way to communicate. If you have a family member in your area or a neighbor who cannot text, take some time to teach them.
11. If you have a generator make sure you know how to work it; check to make sure it can run (especially since you probably haven’t used it in a year or more if at all); and make sure you
have fuel for it.
12. Get it trimmed now! The time to trim is NOT when a hurricane is coming. Those branches and limbs will be missiles if they aren’t picked up.
13. Check your cars! The last thing you want is to be standing on the side of the road trying to start your car while a hurricane is coming.
Start getting prepared NOW! Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30!
Part 2- What do you put in your “To Go” Box?
Part 3- “She’s” coming-Now What Do You Do?
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