Hurricane Preparation

Don’t let hurricane preparation fall into the “hindsight is 20/20” category. It’s easy to become complacent because the odds are in our favor that one won’t be making landfall near us.

Until it does.

Then, whether you are living through it or watching events unfold on the news, witnessing the devastation and destruction of hurricanes brings two things to light.

1.) The average American grossly underestimates the power and devastation that a natural disaster can bring.

2.) The average American is shockingly unprepared for even a minor disruption to their soft, cushy lifestyle.

Most people think of themselves as rugged and self-reliant. Until the power goes out for more than a few minutes. Add hordes of blood thirsty mosquitoes, anxiety caused by the situation, and the fact that Starbucks is closed indefinitely and they’re likely to end up in a corner.

Shaking and crying may be involved.

Those of us who survive, even thrive, through natural disasters do so not because we’re superheroes, but because we invested the time to prepare.

We kept our bodies in excellent shape. We stored enough food, water, and supplies for our families. And most of all, we learned the necessary survival skills and developed the mental toughness to utilize those skills.

It’s not rocket science. In fact, hurricane preparation is quite simple. Here are some points to help you plan your strategy.

Practice makes perfect

The first thing you need to do is toughen up mentally. Practice using your survival skills before the need for them arises. That’s right. Conduct trial runs occasionally. Shut off your power and water for the weekend and live as you would through a hurricane.

Fight or Flight

If landfall is likely, follow the recommendations of emergency management personnel. If they suggest evacuation and you have the ability to get out, do it.

I remember watching the weather reports leading up to Hurricane Katrina’s landfall. I was stunned by the drunken buffoons that continued to party despite being advised to evacuate. They all ended up suffering. Unfortunately, many paid for their stupidity with their lives.

Stock up

If you are going to ride out the storm, make sure you have enough food and fresh, clean water for your family. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommends a minimum of a three-day supply of food and one gallon of water per person per day.

I recommend more—a lot more. I won’t disclose specific details, but my family can survive for several months with no outside intervention.

Make sure you store non-perishable foods, such as canned goods and freeze-dried foods because they will stay edible without refrigeration. Don’t forget powdered formula if you have a baby. Your pet needs provisions too.

You can stock bottled water, water jugs, 55-gallon barrels, or in a pinch, you can even fill your bathtub just before the hurricane hits and water is shut off or becomes contaminated. The standard American bathtub holds 42 gallons of water.

Gather some stuff

Once your food and water needs are met, ensure that you have the following:

• First aid supplies
• Hygiene supplies
• Flashlights, candles, and chemlights
• Radio
• Batteries
• Cookware and utensils
• Disposable knives, forks, spoons, plates, and cups (There is no need to waste precious water washing dishes.)
• Manual can openers
• Grill, camp stove, or fire pit
• Fuel (propane, charcoal, wood, fuel tablets, etc.) Regardless of the type of fuel you burn, be sure to burn it outdoors. It will produce carbon monoxide; an odorless, colorless gas that is deadly.
• A boat, canoe, or raft
• Coolers
• Lots of ice (It lasts longer than you think, and keeps food fresh, people cool, and reduces swelling of injuries.)

Secure your surroundings

You also need to ensure the structural integrity of your home. Placing sandbags around all the doors helps keep flood waters out. If you have hurricane shutters, put them up. If not, screwing plywood to windows and glass doors prevents deadly flying debris.

Also, there is a myth that opening your windows will equalize the pressure and cause less damage—do not do this! Once hurricane winds get into your home, it won’t be long before it’s filled with rain and deadly flying debris. Keep all openings sealed.

When a hurricane does hit, be sure to take refuge in an interior room without windows. A bathroom or basement would be ideal.

After the hurricane passes, take care when you venture outdoors. There will likely be standing water, fallen debris, and downed power lines. Its best to always employ the buddy system when heading out.

• It’s best to avoid standing water if possible. Flood waters are contaminated with a myriad of things from sewage to chemicals. Not to mention, the onslaught of mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water.
• If you’ve not experienced a hurricane, the amount of debris will likely be overwhelming. Hazardous conditions present themselves everywhere. Also, it’s possible to become disoriented because nothing looks the same.
• Downed power lines are a major concern. Don’t touch them. This may be easier said than done, however. Massive amounts of debris can camouflage power lines. If they are underwater, the entire surface area of the water will be electrified. Be extremely cautious.

Survival mode

Advances in technology have made our lives increasingly easy. Why rough it? We are far more likely to kick back on the couch with a bag of chips than practice disaster drills.

Coping with the aftermath of a natural disaster is overwhelming. People just aren’t geared for this type of lifestyle. Living off the land, making do with what’s on-hand, and surviving with no electricity are terrifying thoughts.

The stress of these situations can cause meltdowns quickly. Focus on positive thinking. It’s your best line of defense. Guarding your mind is as important as guarding your space.

Society crumbles, too

Unprepared people become desperate in a hurry. Some will do anything for necessities like food and water. At the same time, opportunistic criminals will be, well, opportunistic criminals.

Disaster brings out the worst in people.

You’re armed, right?

Weapons provide a sense of security. However, if you own a gun, you should also know how to use it properly. Take a gun safety course and practice using it correctly.

Many people put themselves before others in catastrophic situations. Looting, pandemonium, and violence are likely. This is true whether you live in the city or a rural setting. Being prepared to engage in physical combat is necessary.

You should consider having your entire family take a self-defense course. It could save their lives in the event of home invaders. This tip doesn’t specifically apply to hurricane preparation by the way.

I hope you never find yourself in a situation that requires taking up arms to keep your family safe. However, knowing it’s a possibility allows you to prepare for it.

You should prepare.

Survival of the fittest

Not everyone is going to be out to take what is yours from you.

People pull together during a natural disaster, too. Banding together with others in the same situation forms strong friendships. These friendships are likely to last a lifetime.

Adversity makes us stronger. There is no doubt in that statement.

It can also cripple those who are not prepared. Don’t let that be your fate. Take steps now to have needed supplies, protection in the event you must engage in combat, and a safe environment.

These elements are key to surviving the storm as safely as possible.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Hurricane preparation starts today!

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