Hurricane Preparedness Guide
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Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Learn how to prepare for a major storm.
Hurricane season is underway, and as major storms in the past few years have taught us, it's important to be prepared. Check out our Choose Energy Hurricane Preparedness Guide for steps you can take to prepare your home and family for the possibility of a major storm.
Before the storm
Establish an emergency plan. Make sure your family knows what to do in the event of a storm, including where to go, how to get there, and how to contact one another.
Pack an emergency supply kit.Include a two-week supply of water, non-perishable food for family and pets, essential medications, change of clothes, blankets and sleeping bags, first aid kit, radio, flashlights, extra batteries, plastic tarp and tools.
Preparing for a power outage
Hurricanes can cause power outages that last for days, weeks, or even months. While you can't control whether the power goes out, here are some tips for handling a storm-related outage -- even an extended one:
· Fill up your gas tank (Gas pumps won't work in the event of an outage)
· Have cash handy (ATMs also won't work)
· Invest in a traditional analog phone
· Unplug large electronics and appliances; plug small electronics into surge protectors and turn them off
· Avoid opening the fridge unnecessarily so food lasts longer
· Eat perishable food from the refrigerator first, then the freezer
· If anyone in the house depends on electrically operated life support equipment, notify your utility in advance
Did you know?
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30.
Source: National Weather Service
Protect your home
Minimize the damage -- and the expenses. Consider homeowners and/or flood insurance to help with the cost of repairs after a storm. Remember flood insurance won't take effect until 30 days after its purchased. In the meantime, you can take these steps to protect your property:
· Install hurricane shutters on your windows
· Establish a 'safe room' that can withstand high winds and debris
· Bolt or strap heavy furniture to walls
· Brace your garage door
· Bring patio furniture inside
Tropical Storms and Hurricanes by State
1851-2017 (Atlantic), 1949-2017 (Eastern Pacific)
(See interactive map HERE: c
Hover over states to see the numbers.
Data source: National Hurricane Center and Michael Lowry
Additional Resources
· CDC: Preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm
· National Weather Service: National hurricane preparedness
WEBSITE: https://www.chooseenergy.com/news/article/choose-energy-hurricane-preparedness-guide-event-storm/