Before the hurricane alert comes out, the most important thing to do now is Make a family plan.
Prepare an emergency kit that includes cash, prescription drugs, 3 days’ worth of food and water (for humans and pets). This kit is essential if your house is flooded and you can’t return immediately. Be sure to consider preparing for people with special needs, such as the elderly. If you need help creating a list, This is from a wire cutterThe New York Times company, which reviews products, makes suggestions for every home.
If you live in a coastal area, it is important to be familiar with the community’s evacuation plans, zones and routes.
Then plan a meeting place for your family. Federal Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Deanna Frazier said forgetting about Hurricane Harvey when it landed in Texas as a Category 4 storm in 2017 was one of the most common mistakes people made. I said there is. She doesn’t have a cell phone, “she said. “There were a lot of people looking for loved ones and away from them.”
Listen to the local news media for the latest information on how to prepare and when to evacuate the area. “The biggest problem people encounter is that they wait too long,” said Alberto Moskoso, a former communications director in Florida’s Emergency Management Department. “Now is always the right time to prepare for hurricanes and storms.”
Then do what you can do now Protect your documents and valuables..
Photograph and scan important documents such as driver’s licenses, social security cards, passports, prescriptions, tax returns and other legal documents. Upload images online for storage. Store or carry your documents in a fireproof, waterproof container. FEMA Emergency financial first aid kit There is a checklist of documents that may be required to claim insurance and other benefits.
When it’s time to evacuate, bring an irreplaceable souvenir if you can. Otherwise, move your sentimental or monetary belongings to the second floor or higher shelves to protect them from floods. People generally underestimate how high the water will be.
“When it rains, floods can occur,” said Keith Ackley, a spokesman for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.
If possible, make sure your home has flood insurance. Most homeowners’ policies do not cover flood damage and it will take 30 days for flood insurance to take effect.