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Staying Prepared in the Event of a Hurricane

Not many storms in nature can compete with the forceful winds of a hurricane. According to NASA they sometimes generate winds up to 157 miles per hour which can cause them to tear apart homes, buildings, towns and even lives.

The best protection against hurricanes is to prepare yourself for the worst. Therefore, civilians are urged to take certain precautions in preparing for a hurricane.

The first step is to know how great the risk is. Hurricane risk differs based on location. For instance, people who live along the coast are more likely to experience more flooding than those who live inland. Regardless of location, flooding may still occur and that is why checking into flood insurance is important.

The next step is to know how to stay informed, like receiving timely updates about the storm itself. Many communities have alerting systems for a way to inform people in case of an emergency. By finding out what alerts are available where you live, you can better ensure your safety by knowing when to take action in order to remain safe.

Evacuation routes are also important to be aware of in the event of a hurricane. Local officials often provide information about evacuation routes on the media, with sirens, or text alerts . The amount of time you will have before an evacuation will be based upon how severe the weather is. Therefore, if you are asked to leave your home in a hurry, planning ahead is essential.

Planning ahead by putting together a hurricane supply kit before the the hurricane hits is one helpful idea. These supply kits often include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and even copies of personal information (in case of evacuation). In the case of an evacuation, a supply kit prepared with valuable items as well as clothes and food can be lifesaving.  If where you live is not asked to evacuate and you decide to stay in your home, you should keep provisions to help you in case you lose power or water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. These supplies may include flashlights and cartons of water.

Hurricane wind may cause damage to your home as well, so it is important to trim or take down damaged trees to prevent them from damaging your home. Also cleaning out your gutters may help prevent water damage.

Making sure the home has a stable roof, garage door, and windows is important as well. If those get damaged it may be expensive or difficult to fix it after the hurricane. Purchasing a generator in case of power outages may also be helpful.  If hurricanes occur often where you live, having a generator installed is highly recommended. If you live in an area with few hurricanes, however, then a portable generator could also be effective.

Hurricanes should never be taken lightly, and that is why it is always important to be prepared for when they hit.