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The U.S. Congressional Budget Office states that hurricane-force winds and storm-related flooding result in an estimated $54 billion in economic losses each year. Given the amount of damage and destruction that hurricanes cause, it’s important to have a hurricane preparedness checklist that ensures you have all the supplies you need to get through a hurricane safely.
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Creating a hurricane preparedness checklist is essential if you live in at-risk areas. And while you can’t stop them, you can take steps to protect yourself and your family. This checklist contains all the necessary tools you need to weather the hurricane.
Food and Water
Store at least 72 hours of non-perishable food and water supplies. More would be better if you have the storage. Select foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration. If you must heat food, be sure to pack a few Sterno cans. Select compact and light foods.
As for water, store one gallon of water per person per day. Store water in plastic bottles. Note that hot environments can double your water intake. Nursing mothers, children and sick people will need more water.
clothing
It could be cold and rainy throughout the hurricane period. Keep some warm and rain-proof clothing in stock. Each family member should have at least three days worth of clothing.
First aid and emergency kit
In addition to food and water, you must have a fully equipped first aid kit. You should have at least three days of evacuation supplies and two weeks of sheltering supplies. Save your prescriptions for a couple of weeks. The kit should also contain phone numbers for your local poison control center, EMS, home and office numbers for family members, personal physicians, friends or neighbors who can help.
Personal hygiene supplies
Proper sanitation is crucial to your hurricane preparedness checklist. Disease outbreaks are quite common after natural disasters due to poor sanitation practices. Make sure you have the following basic supplies on your hurricane checklist.
Tools and supplies
Hurricanes cause all kinds of disruptions and this sometimes includes power outages, water leaks, etc. You need to have a variety of tools on hand that you can use if any of these things happen.
entertainment
What would you do if you were stuck in a hurricane shelter without power? Therefore, it is important that you store some games that do not require batteries or electricity.
Additional things to keep on your hurricane checklist
Keep cash on hand
In addition to your debit and credit cards, it’s important to have a few Benjamins on hand, as ATMs and banks may not be available after a storm.
Important documents
Put all your vital documents in waterproof/fireproof envelopes. This makes it easy to grab when it’s time to evacuate.
Prepare your family
Assign tasks in advance. Everyone should know what to do and where to go when a hurricane hits. They should also know where all the tools, supplies, and bags are in advance. Make sure you have a map of the nearest shelter.
Clean your gutters
Make sure your drains, gutters and downspouts are clear before the storm. This should help reduce water damage by diverting as much rain as possible away from your home.
Prepare windows and doors
Protect your windows and doors with storm shutters. You can also cover them with marine plywood if needed.
Fill your deposit
It can be especially difficult to find a gas station open for days or weeks, especially if your area is experiencing severe damage. Make sure all your vehicles are gassed up and you can also store extra gas in portable gas cans.
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