Hurricanes and Tropical Storms happen every year. Some years are milder than others. This year in 2024, the hurricane season started early, and it looks stronger than last year. Damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms can be minor to severe.
Hurricane Beryl (2024) is the first to hit Category 5 with destructive forces that took out multiple islands. What would you do if the following occurred?
- No shelter as your home was destroyed
- No electricity and/or gas
- No potable water
- No communications infrastructure (like phone service, cell, internet)
- No food
- No working gas stations
- Vegetation and plant life is devastated
- Flooding
- Your car is damaged and undrivable
These are just some of the things that can happen after a severe hurricane.
These days, we are notified of hurricanes days in advance. First thing you must do is have your emergency preparedness kit and bags ready to go. If possible, get out of the hurricane impact area before it arrives. Here are other preparation steps you can take.
- Emergency preparedness kit and bag per person
- Protect windows and doors
- Sandbag all areas where water may enter (doors and garage doors)
- Secure loose objects
- Turn off utilities (gas and electricity)
- Store as much potable water as possible
- Food in cans or bags (camping food, canned goods)
- Battery operated radio (NOAA weather radio and/or AM/FM)
- HAM or GMRS radio
- Stay informed
- Review your emergency and communication plan
- Plan your evacuation route
If the hurricane passes with minimal impact outside of loss of power or other utilities, survive at home until they are restored.
If the hurricane does severe damage, be prepared to move out of the home temporarily. Seek a community shelter and go there. Remember to bring your Go-Bag and get to a safe place immediately.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets to the same destination.