The 2019 hurricane season is well underway, but the worst of it is still to come. September is the busiest and most active hurricane month all year, which means it’s time to start getting serious about natural disaster preparedness.
If you live in a hurricane danger zone, you need a plan in place well before a hurricane hits. The goal of disaster planning should be to keep you and your family safe and protect your home as much as possible.
So, how can you prepare for the unexpected? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for a natural disaster.
Have Plenty of Non-Perishables
Whether you’re hit by a nasty storm or major hurricane, having non-perishables in your pantry is important. If your power goes out and you can’t leave your house, you’ll need those canned foods to feed the family.
Power outages can last several days—or longer. So make sure you aren’t left without food to eat when a disaster hits.
Non-perishables are also good to bring on the road if you have to evacuate your home as many grocery stores will either be closed or completely cleaned out.
Stock Up on Water and Other Supplies
In addition to canned foods, you should also be stocked with plenty of bottled water. If a hurricane hits you might be left without drinking water, and grocery stores will run out of water when a storm gets closer, so it’s best to be prepared beforehand.
You’ll also need plenty of other supplies, including:
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Helmets
- First aid kits
- Portable chargers
Have a stash of these supplies solely for hurricane preparedness.
Have an Emergency Plan
If a major hurricane is coming towards you, you’ll need to evacuate. If you don’t have an evacuation plan set in place, you’ll likely be in a panic trying to get everything together and trying to find a place to go.
That’s why you need an evacuation plan that is discussed and understood by your family. You should all know exactly what to bring with you, where you will stay, and what route you will take.
If you have pets, make sure you have everything in order for them to be safe and comfortable during your evacuation.
Prepare for Digital Disasters
In the digital age, we need to also protect our online servers in case of a disaster. If you or your business has valuable information online, it’s important that info is backed up and safe in case the servers are destroyed in the hurricane.
Also, make sure your business understands disaster recovery planning so you can be proactive after the hurricane hits.
How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster
Now that you know how to prepare for a natural disaster, it’s time to get started! You shouldn’t wait until a hurricane is on the way to create a plan. The more prepared you are beforehand, the less you’ll be running around in a panic trying to find the supplies you need.
Looking for more helpful content? Be sure to check out some other posts right here on our blog!
