The official start of Hurricane Season is June 1. And we all know Mother Nature can really pack a punch. Stay safe and prepare with these tips and guides. Be ready for whatever weather comes your way
Basic Disaster Supplies List
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items.
To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water and non-perishable food for several days
- Extra cell phone battery or charger
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food, water and supplies for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a portable waterproof container
- Cash and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items and hand sanitizer
- Mess kits, Paper cups, plates and disposable utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Storm Tips
Our storm tips below can help when you find yourself in a pinch.
- Home Inventory: Making a home inventory before disaster strikes can help you replace damaged belongings.
- Turn Your Washing Machine Into a Cooler: You may be filling up your fridge and freezer with ice to keep your food safe, but your washing machine most likely can store a lot more. Fill the drum of your washing machine with fresh ice to keep food cold.
- Charge Up: Even old laptops can be used as a power source when the lights go out
Hurricane Facts
Build your knowledge of Hurricanes with some of these interesting facts.
Learn the 5 categories of Hurricanes by wind speed:
- Category 1- 74 to 95 miles per hour
- Category 2- 96-110 miles per hour
- Category 3- 111-129 miles per hour
- Category 4- 130-156 miles per hour
- Category 5- Most dangerous. Above 157 miles per hour.
Florida accounts for 40% of all hurricane strikes in the U.S.
Hurricanes can create a 20-foot storm surge that spans more than 93 miles wide.
Hurricanes are the only weather disasters, each of them having its own name.
Hurricanes drop more than 2.4 trillion gallons of rain each day.
Hurricanes can only form in warm-water oceans.
Hurricanes also produce mild tornadoes, which can last up to a few minutes.
Provided to you by Hoffman Insurance Group, LLC
This is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice.
