2022 Hurricane Season | Use These 10 Tips to Prepare

Published: July 23, 2022

Residents of the East Coast or the Gulf Coast should be prepared for a hurricane that may one day strike land. A plan includes detailed instructions and eliminates last-minute stress over checking everything. Here are 10 tips from UNITS Moving and Portable Storage of Wilmington on how you and your family can stay safe during the hurricane season:

Heed the evacuation orders

It’s difficult to flee once a storm has hit. Strong winds and flying debris make transportation impossible, putting people at risk and making it tough. People who stay behind and attempt to contact first responders for assistance during an emergency put the lives of first responders in danger. Prepare to leave before things get worse by knowing your Evacuation Zone. When the order comes, evacuate as soon as possible.

Be aware of essential information

FEMA lists State Emergency Management Agencies. You can click the first letter of your state, and find the listed agencies. The information is organized into sections. Each state agency’s page contains a link, as well as phone numbers and other details.

Create a plan

If you’re considering remaining in your house rather than fleeing, be sure you understand everything there is to know about the storm and its consequences. Advance hurricane preparations, as well as ensuring that your house can withstand a hurricane before making the decision to stay, are two of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Of course, we advise everyone who lives or works near a coastline to keep an eye on any significant news!

Prepare your home

If you stay, your home will need some repairs in either case. On both sides of the property, plywood should be used to cover all of the doors and windows. Each section should be carefully measured and drilled pilot holes for screws if possible before being stored. Garage doors or patio doors that aren’t hurricane-rated should also be considered.

Stay in the know

The last thing you want is for your battery to run out in the middle of a hurricane, so make sure you keep some extras on hand. Have your phone fully charged and ready to go. If the electricity goes out, turn off your phone unless you need it; save energy whenever possible. Listen to a local radio station with a radio that is tuned to a local station if you want to stay up-to-date on the storm. You will be notified about emergency alerts and hazardous weather if you have a weather radio.

Choose a point of contact

Choose a single contact, such as someone hundreds of miles from the storm, who can assist you. Let them know if you’re in danger so they may notify other family and friends about your situation. Before the storm strikes, give your contact all of their phone numbers, email addresses, and social media account information.

Remain inside

Winds from a hurricane can propel objects at deadly velocities and turn them into dangerous missiles. Many injuries have been reported in these situations, including decapitations, limb amputations, crushed extremities, and other ailments. Take great care.

Secure emergency power

Food in refrigerators begins to deteriorate after four hours without electricity. If you keep the freezer closed, it will stay good for 12-24 hours. Blackouts may continue for days or weeks after a hurricane; as a result, having an emergency power supply is an important survival tool. Small portable generators can keep a few things going while they are being recharged, but they must be refueled and protected from the elements in order to function.

Stay out of the water

Floods are destructive and may include sewage, human and animal waste, chemicals, as well as parasites. The risk of drowning is only one of the hazards associated with floods. If biological risks aren’t addressed promptly and effectively, they can lead to significant health problems or health issues.

After the storm

While you wait for the all-clear, stay inside and safe. Don’t head for the door unless you’re in need of medical attention or face an imminent threat. First responders generally arrive within one to three days but can take longer.

If you need assistance in preparing for hurricane season, UNITS is here to help. Our portable storage containers are the perfect solution to keep your belongings safe and secure. Contact us today for your free estimate.