For those living in costal areas, completing a hurricane preparedness checklist is a great way to make sure you are ready to withstand these potentially catastrophic storms. Meteorologists have issued their predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season — which begins in June — and they are emphasizing that preparation should begin early and in earnest. With proper preparation, you can provide peace of mind and an extra measure of protection for you and your household.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
Preparing for a hurricane can feel overwhelming. That’s why Convoy of Hope has broken hurricane preparedness down to four steps and included a guide to help you begin your preparedness journey.
- Make a plan.
- Make sure your plan includes a way to access food, water, heat, light, and power.
- Create a preparedness kit.
- The Family Preparedness Guide takes the basics of survival into consideration, as well as other commonly recommended items.
- Know the dangers.
- Knowing where danger can come from during and after a hurricane is essential to protecting you and your household.
- Stay educated and aware of surroundings.
- Explore the possibility of first aid, CPR, and other courses. Keep yourself up to date through weather-monitoring apps.
Hurricane Supplies List
The Family Preparedness Guide includes a checklist of supplies broken down into four categories. Water, nonperishable food, extra clothes, batteries, first-aid supplies, and hygiene items are all important to have in your preparedness kit. It is also vital that your kit includes copies of important documents kept in a waterproof, fireproof, and portable case. All items in your preparedness kit should be kept in clean, sturdy totes and kept up to date.
Hurricane Safety & Evacuation
Recent studies have found that hurricanes are maintaining their strength for longer periods of time after they make landfall, meaning they are likely to cause more widespread damage and flooding. This makes hurricane preparedness in 2023 more important than ever and necessary for communities close to impact zones — regardless of if they are located along the coast.
Hurricanes can limit cell service, so it’s important to have a plan on how to communicate with your family members. Convoy’s Family Preparedness Kit includes a communications guide you can fill out, copy, and distribute to each family member to keep on hand during hurricane season.
Since a hurricane can be monitored, your community may call for a community-wide evacuation. Local officials provide information to the public through the media. If an evacuation becomes necessary, it’s important to have a full tank of gas ahead of time since gas stations may be closed during an emergency or become congested with cars. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather and follow recommended evacuation routes. If you do not have a car, plan ahead with family or friends to ensure you have a plan to evacuate safely.
If time permits, wear sturdy clothes that offer some protection. Secure your home by locking all doors and windows and unplugging electrical appliances — including your television, toaster, and microwave.
You can learn more about hurricane safety and evacuation by downloading Convoy of Hope’s Family Preparedness Guide. When you and your family are prepared, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones.
The full impact of hurricanes can be unpredictable, but Convoy of Hope is committed to responding when and where hurricanes strike.
