Are you ready for hurricane season? Ready or not – hurricane season arrives each year on June 1st and lasts for five months. Storms typically peak in August and September.
The threat of an approaching hurricane always brings widespread panic. People rush in droves to get all the supplies they may need – often creating long lines and empty shelves. But you can avoid the chaos and stress of an approaching storm by preparing ahead of time.
Hurricane Kit
It’s crucial to have a kit of essential supplies ready to take with you if you’re forced to evacuate. This kit will also be helpful even if you can stay in your home but are still affected by the storm. Create your kit in a tub or bag that you can easily take with you.
Here are some essential items you need to include:
- Water – one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- Non-perishable food (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
- First-aid kit (include 7-day supply for prescription medications)
- Flashlights (include extra batteries)
- Battery operated radio (with extra batteries)
- Cell phone and charger
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss army knife
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Manual can opener
- Lighter or matches
- Waterproof container with cash and important documents (medical information, insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, family and emergency contact information, proof of address, deed/lease to home)
- Books, magazines, and games for entertainment
- Baby supplies (if needed)
- Pet supplies (if applicable)
- Cooler and ice packs
- An evacuation plan
- Extra fuel for car and generator
- Additional supplies like towels, plastic sheeting, scissors, duct tape, and work gloves
Secure Your Home
Be prepared to secure your home in the event of flooding, damaging winds, and storm surge.
- Cover all your windows using wood or hurricane shutters.
- Tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere – but it does not prevent the window from breaking.
- Clear rain gutters and make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed.
- Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything that is not tied down.
- If winds become strong, close, secure, and brace internal doors – and stay away from windows and doors.
Power Outages
If you don’t have a backup generator, here are some things to help you prepare for several days without power.
- Cell Phones – Charge your cell phone and limit use once power goes out.
- Cash – Have extra cash on hand in case the ATMs aren’t working.
- Gas – Make sure your tank is full far in advance of an approaching storm. Many people wait until the last minute, and the rush to get extra gas for cars and generators can cause gas stations to run out early.
- Water – Fill bathtubs and large containers with water for bathing and flushing only.
- A/C – No A/C is one of the most uncomfortable results of losing power – especially during the hot summer months. Cover windows on the inside to keep light from coming in and warming up the house. Don’t run battery-operated fans unless you’re in the room – a running fan can add heat to a room.
- Food – If you expect a power outage, turn your refrigerator temperature down and freeze water or food. Prepare a cooler with ice packs to cool your snacks and drinks after power has been out for more than 4 hours. Discard perishable food that may be unsafe to eat.
Standby Generators
Of course, the best and only way to avoid a power outage anytime is to install a standby generator – it’s one of the best investments you can make for your home. And FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, recommends installing a standby generator as part of preparing your home and family for a hurricane.
A standby generator will kick in and power your home during a hurricane-related power outage – or any other type of power outage. It will allow you and your family to live in comfort and safety even in the worst conditions. So, if you’ve been considering a standby generator – now is the time!
If you already have a standby generator for your home or business, make sure it’s ready for the next storm that could strike during this hurricane season. You can read about how to prepare your generator for hurricane season here.
Learn More About Hurricane Preparedness and Malek Generators
Follow these tips to be prepared for any storm this hurricane season brings! And with a standby generator, you can avoid the worry and stress an approaching storm causes. Your home will stay safe, secure, and comfortable. The demand for backup power is already at record levels, so take action sooner rather than later to protect your home from power outages that occur during hurricane season. Contact us today to learn more about our generator sales, financing, repair, and maintenance. As your Bryan/College Station electricians, Malek is here to protect your home and keep you safe and comfortable.