Everything But The Weed

Approved by:
Linda Maze, a Wedding photography Gainesville FL in Gainesville Florida

One of Mother Natures most destructive storms is the hurricane.  With that in mind , if you are living in a place that is visited by hurricanes, it’s a great idea to learn about getting ready to face a hurricane. Here are 10 simple steps to help protect yourself , your home and your family in the event that you are  in the path of a hurricane . With some ahead of the curve thinking and a small measure of common sense, everyone can be safe .

1. Pay attention to the TV and radio reports for storm updates and evacuation instructions .  While hurricanes track erratically, you will receive ample warning of an approaching storm. If you need to evacuate, do it sooner not later. And talking about radios,  keep a battery operated or hand crank radio in your house in in case there’s a power failure.

2. If your home is on the coast or in any low lying area, have an action plan to move your family to safer ground. Know where you’re headed and what you need to have with you beforehand .  Don’t try to avoid this point – just do it.

3. Have a Family Emergency Plan. Keep it in your Family Emergency Kit. Keep your kit checked and ready at all times . It’s important that your plan has written information on your evacuation route and easy-to-follow steps on securing your utilities, if necessary.

4.  Cover up your windows with permanent storm shutters or cover them up with 5/8″ plywood.  It’s also a good idea to tie down your roof with straps or additional clips to the frame of your house .

5. Gather up all your lawn furniture and any odd tools, toys or ornaments and lock them in your garage or basement. While you’re outside , check the trees and shrubs on your yard and clean up any damaged or broken branches before the storm does it for you .

6. Fill a tub and several large jugs with clean, drinkable water. Keep a supply of emergency food on hand.

7.  Fill the gas tank in your car and if you own a portable generator gas it up as well .

8. Secure and seal ground level doors or windows to help protect from flooding .  If you have an emergency pump, check to see that it’s working properly .

9. If you are responsible for livestock or pets , make arrangements ahead of time about what to do to protect them from a hurricane .  If your barn or shed will be vulnerable in a major storm, your livestock might be better left outside.

10.  Skip the sightseeing at the water .  It might look exciting , but generally it’s a foolish thing to do. Every season, unsuspecting sightseers get a nasty shock from the power and unpredictability of a hurricane .  

Follow these 10 easy rules .  While life is always full of surprises , obey these rules and you’ll be better prepared to survive a hurricane.