Tropical storms can be unpredictable and dangerous and can cause power outages, flooding, fallen trees, flying debris, and other life-threatening hazards. Being prepared for a storm is one way that you can take to help protect your family and property. By implementing a few storm prepping tips, you can minimize the impact of a storm and help your family to stay safe.
Understanding Storm Prepping
When a tropical storm is on the horizon, it is important to be prepared. Storm prepping is a simple concept which involves taking steps to ensure your safety and well-being, as well as that of your family and property before, during and after a storm. To get started, you first need to understand why storm prepping is important and be aware of some factors to consider when prepping for storms.
Why Storm Prepping Is Important
Because storms can be life-threatening events with impacts on life, property and other assets, residents in the Atlantic storm belt are always encouraged to prepare and be ready.
Storm prepping involves more than just stocking up on supplies. It requires careful planning and preparation to ensure that you have everything you need to weather the storm. This includes having a plan for evacuation, securing your property, and having enough food, water, and other supplies to last for several days or even weeks.
Factors to Consider When Prepping for Storms
When prepping for storms, there are several factors to consider. Storm preppers should be mindful of their location and the possible risks; the type of storm and its specific characteristics; the duration of the storm and the number of people that you are responsible for.
- Location: The location of your home or business can be at higher risk for the impacts associated with a storm. For example, if you live in an area prone to flooding, you may need to take additional precautions to protect your property. In this case, you may need to purchase sandbags, install a sump pump or plan to evacuate at the first sign of flooding.
- Type of Storm: Different types of tropical storms can have different impacts. Storm hazards include heavy rain, strong winds, storm surge, coastal and inland flooding and tornadoes. However, some storms may be prone to high winds and low rain, whilst others may have heavy rain and thus heavy flooding.
- Duration of the Storm: The duration of the storm can impact how much food, water, and other supplies you need to have on hand. If the storm is expected to last for several days, you may need to stock up on more supplies. Please note, that in an ideal situation, you should have supplies in your home at all times during the June 01 to November 30 Atlantic hurricane season.
- Number of People: The number of people in your household or business will impact how much food, water, and other supplies you need. When preparing your emergency kit, make sure you have enough supplies for everyone in your family, to last at least seven days. Remember to stock up on non-perishable food such as canned goods and other no-cook meals.
By considering these factors and taking the necessary steps to prepare for a storm, you can minimize the risks and protect yourself and your loved ones.
10 Storm Prepping Tips
When a storm is on the horizon, it is important to be prepared. These ten simple tips can help you and your family prepared for whatever a storm may bring.
- Create an emergency plan
- Stock up on supplies
- Secure your home
- Protect your electronics
- Prepare your car
- Trim trees and clear debris
- Check your insurance coverage
- Keep important documents safe
- Stay informed
- Have a backup power source
Tip 1: Create an Emergency Plan
Having a plan in place before a storm hits is a crucial factor for keeping you and your family safe. Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of an emergency. This includes creating an evacuation plan, identifying a safe place to take shelter, establishing a communication plan, and knowing how to turn off utilities.
Tip 2: Stock Up on Supplies
Make sure you have enough supplies to last you and your family for several days. This includes non-perishable food, water, and any necessary medications. Do not forget to include supplies for your pets as well.
Tip 3: Secure Your Home
Take steps to secure your home before a storm hits. This includes reinforcing doors and windows and securing any loose items outside that could become projectiles in high winds.
Tip 4: Protect Your Electronics
Make sure your electronics are protected from power surges and outages. This includes unplugging them before the storm hits and investing in reliable surge protectors.
Tip 5: Prepare Your Car
If you need to evacuate, make sure your car is in good condition and has a full tank of gas. Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a first aid kit, blankets, and non-perishable food.
Tip 6: Trim Trees and Clear Debris
Take steps to prevent damage to your property by trimming trees and clearing debris before a storm hits. This can help prevent branches from falling and causing damage.
Tip 7: Check Your Insurance Coverage
Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your home and belongings. This includes flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area and insurance for your home’s contents (even if you are renting).
Tip 8: Keep Important Documents Safe
Keep important documents like insurance policies, passports, and birth certificates in a waterproof and fireproof container.
Tip 9: Stay Informed
Stay informed about the storm’s path and any updates from local officials. Sign up for emergency alerts and have a battery-powered radio on hand to stay informed if the power goes out.
Tip 10: Have a Backup Power Source
Invest in a backup power source like a generator or battery-powered inverter to keep essential appliances like your refrigerator and medical equipment running during a power outage.
By following these 10 storm prepping tips, you will be better equipped to weather the next tropical storm.
Further Reading
For more storm prepping tips that you can implement right now, visit the following links:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preparing for a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm
Chubb: 10 Steps to Prepare for a Hurricane
National Weather Service: What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane
Disaster Safety: Last-Minute Hurricane Prep for Your Home
Readers Digest: 16 Ways to Prepare for a Hurricane Right Now
Image: Mat Napo via Unsplash
