Prepare for A Possible Hurricane Disaster with These 10 Tips

Published: July 23, 2022

Those who reside on the Eastern Seaboard or the Gulf Coast should be prepared for a hurricane that may one day strike land. A plan contains instructions and eliminates the last-minute rush to check everything. Here are 10 tips from UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Miami on how you and your family can stay safe during the hurricane season:

Heed the evacuation orders

It’s tough to flee once a storm has hit. Transportation is totally impeded by strong winds and flying debris, making it dangerous and difficult. When people remain behind and attempt to contact first responders for help during an emergency, they put the lives of first responders in danger. Know your Evacuation Zone and prepare to depart before things get worse. As soon as the order arrives, evacuate.

Be aware of essential information

FEMA lists State Emergency Management Agencies. You can click the first letter of your state, and find the listed agencies. The information is organized into sections. Each state agency’s page contains a link, as well as phone numbers and other details.

Create a plan

If you’re thinking about staying in your home rather than fleeing, make sure you know everything there is to know about the storm and its ramifications. Advance hurricane preparations, as well as ensuring that your home can withstand a hurricane before deciding whether or not to stay, are some of the most significant decisions you’ll make. Of course, we recommend that everyone who lives or works in coastal regions keep an eye on any important news!

Prepare your home

If you stay or leave, your house will require some work in either case. Plywood should be used to cover all of the doors and windows on both sides of the home. Before storing each segment, carefully measure and drill pilot holes for screws if possible. If garage doors or patio doors are not hurricane-rated, they should also be considered.

Stay in the know

Keep extra batteries on hand and have your phone charged up. Keep your phone turned off unless you’re using it, and save energy where possible when the power goes out. Listen to a local radio station with a radio that is tuned to a local station if you want to be kept informed of the storm. If you have a weather radio, you will be alerted to emergency alerts and dangerous weather situations.

Choose a point of contact

Choose a single point of contact—such as someone hundreds of miles from the storm—who can help you. Let them know if you’re in danger so they may inform other family and friends about your circumstances. Give your point of contact all of their phone numbers, email addresses, and social media account information before the storm arrives.

Remain inside

Winds from a hurricane may propel objects at deadly velocities and transform them into hazardous missiles. Many injuries have been reported in these events, including decapitations, limb amputations, crushed extremities, and other problems. Take extreme care.

Secure emergency power

After four hours without power, food in refrigerators begins to go bad. If you keep the freezer closed, it will stay good for 12-24 hours. Blackouts may last for days or weeks after a hurricane; thus, having an emergency power source becomes a critical survival tool. Small portable generators can keep a few things operating while they are being recharged, but they must be refueled and require shelter from the elements in order to continue working.

Stay out of the water

Floods can be devastating, and they include sewage, human and animal waste, chemicals, as well as parasites. The danger of drowning is just one of several risks involved with floods. If biological hazards are not addressed quickly and effectively, they might end in significant health issues or health worries.

After the storm

While you wait for the all-clear, stay inside and safe. Don’t make a beeline for the door unless you need medical attention or face an imminent danger. First responders generally arrive in one to three days but might take longer.

If you need assistance in preparing for hurricane season, UNITS is here to help. Our portable storage containers are the perfect solution to keep your belonging safe and secure. Contact us today for your free estimate.