Why You Should Prepare for Hurricane Season Well Before the Calm Before the Storm
June 4, 2015
The calm that often comes before a storm isn’t always eerie and ominous. In fact, the severity of many storm systems often comes a surprise to both meteorologists and everyday people. As hurricane season rounds the corner, it’s important to keep this mind because the calm before the storm can come at any time.
Though summer will officially be here in just a few weeks, it’s not too late to begin preparing your home for a hurricane before one actually strike down. Even if you live in an area that typically isn’t prone to hurricanes, preparing for hurricanes is still important.
An example of this can be seen in the severity of the damage caused inland by Hurricane Sandy, which struck the eastern shore of the U.S. in late October 2012. Also referred to as Superstorm Sandy, the hurricane is known as the second-costliest hurricane in American history, surpassed only by Hurricane Katrina.
If you’re wondering how to protect your home from hurricanes, you’re not alone. While several disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross can provide expert tips on how to protect your home from hurricanes, hurricane home preparation is a matter of starting as early as you can and staying organized.
Protecting your home from the outside in is a great way to start preparing for the hurricane season. This includes storm protection such as roll up storm shutters. In addition, it’s important to create a disaster preparedness list or guide and review this information with your family and loved ones frequently. This should include pertinent information such as the contact numbers of shelters and relatives, as well as the hurricane procedures you’ve created for your family.
Of course, one of the most important aspects of hurricane home preparation is stocking on essentials such as batteries, matches, flashlights, non-perishable food, water, clothing, first aid kids, prescription medications and more. Stocking up on these items in advance allows you to focus on keeping your home and family safe in the event a hurricane does land.