STORM PREP SAFETY AND CHECKLIST
The official start of Hurricane Season is June 1. And we all know Mother Nature can really pack a punch. Stay safe and prepare with these tips and guides. Be ready for whatever weather comes your way.
Basic Disaster Supplies List
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items.
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
Additional Emergency Supplies
- Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription Medications
- Non-prescription medication such as pain relievers
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Fire extinguisher
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Books, games etc. for children
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Matches sealed in a waterproof container
Source: https://www.ready.gov/kit
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Storm Tips
Our storm tips below can help when you find yourself in a pinch.
- Home Inventory: Making a home inventory before disaster strikes can help you replace damaged belongings. Our Chief Claims Officer recommends using HouseBook.
- Turn Your Washing Machine Into a Cooler: You may be filling up your fridge and freezer with ice to keep your food safe, but your washing machine most likely can store a lot more. Fill the drum of your washing machine with fresh ice to keep food cold.
- Charge Up: Even old laptops can be used as a power source when the lights go out.
Document and Insure Your PropertyHurricane Facts
Build your knowledge of Hurricanes with some of these interesting facts.
Learn the 5 categories of Hurricanes by wind speed:
- Category 1- 74 to 95 miles per hour
- Category 2- 96-110 miles per hour
- Category 3- 111-129 miles per hour
- Category 4- 130-156 miles per hour
- Category 5- Most dangerous. Above 157 miles per hour.
Florida accounts for 40% of all hurricane strikes in the U.S.
Hurricanes can create a 20-foot storm surge that spans more than 93 miles wide.
Hurricanes are the only weather disasters, each of them having its own name.
Hurricanes drop more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain each day.
Hurricanes can only form in warm-water oceans.
Hurricanes also produce mild tornadoes, which can last up to a few minutes.
Trivia Questions
2005 had the most named storms on record. How many were there?
28. In 2005, there was a total of 28 named storms.
2005 had the most named storms on record. How many were there?
28. In 2005, there was a total of 28 named storms.
Can you guess which planet has a hurricane that appears as a red dot in it?
Jupiter. Planet Jupiter has a hurricane that appears as a red dot in it, spinning since 300 years. This hurricane is bigger than the earth itself.
True or False: Opening windows will help equalize pressure in your house when a hurricane approaches.
False. It is a myth that opening windows will help equalize pressure in your house when a hurricane approaches. Your windows should be boarded up with plywood or shutters. If your windows remain open, it will just bring a lot of rain into your house and flying debris into your home, too.
Who was the first person to give names to hurricanes?
C. Wragge. A weather forecaster from Australia in the 1900s.
Who was the first person to give names to hurricanes?
C. Wragge. A weather forecaster from Australia in the 1900s.
Can you guess which hurricane was one of the costliest?
Hurricane Katrina. Katrina is one of the costliest category 5 type hurricanes, which has caused damage over $100 billion.
What is the center of a Hurricane called?
The ‘Eye’. It can be as large as almost 20 miles. The weather in this center (the eye) is usually calm with low winds.
