Hurricane Warnings Are Extreme Weather Forecasts

Residents Urged to Take Storm Precautions & Preparations Seriously

Aug 17, 2009

A Hurricane Warnings Means Immediate Preparation, Coreburn

Ignoring hurricane warnings can result in property damage, injury, and death. Take extreme weather advisories seriously and stay prepared throughout the hurricane season.

Hurricane season means making plenty of advanced preparations to home and property, as well as planning for family safety and pets. Some storm seasons see plenty of activity during the early summer months, while other hurricane seasons don't get underway until September or October.

Early Hurricane Preparations Save Money, Time, and Stress

Residents in states subject to hurricane activity are warned that procrastinating may cost plenty. As a storm gets closer, supplies, lumber, and gas tend to run low or run out altogether. Check preparations now to make sure everything is in order:

Learn to use power equipment such as chain saws, nail guns, and generators before these items are put to use. Careless handling can result in injury or death.
Have all home insurance policies up to date and all legal paperwork in order. Make sure these items are stored in sealed plastic bags and are easily accessible in the event they are needed after a storm. Repairs can cost a fortune, so review current coverage and be prepared to pay insurance policy deductibles. Make sure the policy specifically covers hurricane and flood damage.
Have a land line telephone, a portable cell phone charger (e.g.: solar powered), or arrange some other means of communication should power be out for a week or more. Cordless phones are useless when there is no power.
Have plenty of batteries on hand for flashlights and portable electronics, including a radio.
Replenish stocked food items from hurricane supplies and check freshness dates. Stock more water if needed and know drinking water safety rules should the bottled water supply run out. Replenish charcoal grill supplies, too.
Have enough pet foods, treats, extra water, pet supplies, and pet medications to last at least two weeks.
Keep medical supplies and prescriptions replenished, maintained, and/or up to date. Following a major storm, it could be weeks before more supplies are available.
Make sure there is cash on hand before the storm hits. Banks may not open for days after the storm and ATMs won't work without a power supply.
Make sure someone not in the storm's path knows your plan to ride out the hurricane at home.

Persons Planning to Go to a Shelter or Evacuate before a Hurricane Strikes

In addition to the list above, residents planning to go to a hurricane shelter should make preparations to bring bedding and food for a week at the very least. When planning to go to a shelter or leave town:

Have a plan in place for quickly getting cash and be sure to pack insurance policies and important papers.
Know in advance where hurricane shelters are going to be located.
Have pet arrangements ready to go.
Make sure a reliable contact person knows your route and evacuation plans.
Keep gas in the family vehicle and keep the vehicle serviced regularly. Should one have to evacuate, there will be no time to get new tires, a tune up, or even an oil change in the event of long distance travel.

A slow-starting hurricane season can quickly become active with major storms. As summer comes to an end, many people cram last-minute activities and vacations into their schedules before school starts. Thoughts of the weather, hurricane activity, and plans to get through the storm season are temporarily forgotten. Don’t be caught off guard; make hurricane preparations now to keep family safe and property damage to a minimum.

The copyright of the article Hurricane Warnings Are Extreme Weather Forecasts in Seasonal Home Maintenance is owned by Mary King. Permission to republish Hurricane Warnings Are Extreme Weather Forecasts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.