Nowadays the threat of a hurricane seems more prevalent than ever. One possible explanation for this is the phenomenon of global warming. Regardless of cause, the prospect of getting caught up in a category four or five hurricane unprepared is a grim one indeed. As such, for those living in vulnerable areas, it would be prudent to have a hurricane kit on hand. In fact it would be wise to be prepared no matter where one lives.
The huge loss of properties and lives from hurricanes Katrina and Rita have made a lot of people realize that planning is as important as having hurricane preparedness and kits. Even before the hurricane season starts, everyone who lives in places that are usually hit by storms should already do house repairs if necessary. Roofs, windows, ceilings, basements or cellars should be checked for leaks, cracks and anything that could make your home more vulnerable to strong winds and rain brought by hurricanes. It is also necessary that every home should have some kind of action plan for when the hurricane hits. Special plans should also be in place for members of your family who are old, very young, or disabled.
Being prepared includes having a hurricane kit that contains all the basic necessities. This would include a supply of non perishable food as well as several gallons of clean drinking water. Every six months, it would be a good idea to go and check the food for expiration dates and replace the water with a fresh supply. Outdated, stale food will be of no use when the time comes that you need it. Likely, there will be no electricity for at least a while. Kits should thus contain candles, waterproof matches, flashlights and a transistor radio. The hand cranked versions of radios and flashlights are the best choices since there will be no worry about having to have enough batteries.
The possibility exists that your home might not last the duration of the storm. For that reason, make sure that all of your important documents are part of the kit. They can be stored in waterproof, sealed bags. Tools like a shovel, machete or axe might come in handy. An axe may be used to collect wood to use in cooking. Tools may also be the only way you can get out of the house in the event that fallen trees or other debris have trapped you or a family member inside.
Do not forget any medicine. That is one thing that people often forget but sometimes literally cannot live without. In addition to medicine, you also want to include anything related to children, the elderly or pets. Other stuff to have ready are blankets, clothes, personal hygiene items and sanitary products.
The huge loss of properties and lives from hurricanes Katrina and Rita have made a lot of people realize that planning is as important as having hurricane preparedness and kits. Even before the hurricane season starts, everyone who lives in places that are usually hit by storms should already do house repairs if necessary. Roofs, windows, ceilings, basements or cellars should be checked for leaks, cracks and anything that could make your home more vulnerable to strong winds and rain brought by hurricanes. It is also necessary that every home should have some kind of action plan for when the hurricane hits. Special plans should also be in place for members of your family who are old, very young, or disabled.
Being prepared includes having a hurricane kit that contains all the basic necessities. This would include a supply of non perishable food as well as several gallons of clean drinking water. Every six months, it would be a good idea to go and check the food for expiration dates and replace the water with a fresh supply. Outdated, stale food will be of no use when the time comes that you need it. Likely, there will be no electricity for at least a while. Kits should thus contain candles, waterproof matches, flashlights and a transistor radio. The hand cranked versions of radios and flashlights are the best choices since there will be no worry about having to have enough batteries.
The possibility exists that your home might not last the duration of the storm. For that reason, make sure that all of your important documents are part of the kit. They can be stored in waterproof, sealed bags. Tools like a shovel, machete or axe might come in handy. An axe may be used to collect wood to use in cooking. Tools may also be the only way you can get out of the house in the event that fallen trees or other debris have trapped you or a family member inside.
Do not forget any medicine. That is one thing that people often forget but sometimes literally cannot live without. In addition to medicine, you also want to include anything related to children, the elderly or pets. Other stuff to have ready are blankets, clothes, personal hygiene items and sanitary products.
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Living in hurricane alley? Invest in a hurricane kit now! Get more info in our review on everything you need to know about how and where to find the best emergency kits
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