Hopefully, the only Hurricane we will have this year is the cocktail itself out on the beach, Even though I know this may be wishful thinking it is always best to be prepared. It may sound cliche, but it’s so true... it only takes one hurricane hitting us to make it a bad season. 
In this blog we are prepared to give some helpful and handy tips as well as a list of supplies to help you before, during and after a storm hits. To help keep you, your loved ones and furry friends safe and well prepared if a hurricane does approach.
Tip 1: Do your laundry!
I know, I sound like a total mom right now, but everyone knows you can’t run the washing machine without electricity! Unless you plan on going commando, be prepared for long power outages.
Tip 2: Buy Paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags and bleach.
Also doesn’t hurt to fill the bath tubs and sinks, even empty trashcans with water as well as keep some handy throughout the year in 2 litter soda bottles, jugs. (write the date in which you put the water in them and refreshen it after 6 months.) This will become especially handy because you may need this water to throw buckets of water in the toilet to get them to flush.
Tip 3: Setup an evacuation destination
Whether it be booking hotel rooms in advance or going to a nearby shelter. Have a backup destination because we all know hurricanes have the habit of making U-ees, becoming a cat 5 and heading straight towards your house. Also be sure to have a on-the-go hurricane kit with you essentials.
Tip 4: Buy a chainsaw if you don’t already have one
Prepare and protect your home and family by removing trees that are close to falling on your home, This will also come in handy for the after effects of the storm as well to clean up some loose hanging branches or trees that are collapsing.
Tip 5: Take photos of your home to expedite insurance claims!
When preparing for a storm experts say taking photos of your home is one of the best things you can do before hand. Walk around the entire exterior front yard, side yard back yard and take as many photos as you can including the roof in case you lose shingles.
Tip 6: Clear your gutters
Get on your ladder and go around your house and make sure your gutters are free of leaves and debris, not making sure your gutters are clear of debris is a recipe for leaky ceilings and more.
Tip 7: Create copies of personal documents
(Medication list and patient medical information, proof of address, dead/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) save electronically or put in a waterproof container.
Tip 8: Prepare financially
Review insurance policies and prepare how you would cover any gaps.
Tip 9: Board up all windows
If you can invest in hurricane shutters. I know some homes already have hurricane proof windows, but this is helpful to prevent any further damage to your home as well.
Tip 10: Set aside Books/ Cards/ Board games to keep entertained
Especially if you have kids, doesn’t hurt for us adults as well! Have snacks/a fully charged phone/sleeping bags and even maybe a battery-operated fan in case the power goes out and it gets hot. Also flashlights/ batteries/ and of course deodorant we live in a sunny state after all and it can get hot without power.
Some other essentials to have:
- Gas cans (extra fuel for generator or car)
- A generator or solar panels if possible
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Cell phone with charger
- Supplies for your pets (food/ leash & collar/cage)
- (water activated flood barrier if possible)
- Water: One gallon per person, per day (3 day supply for evacuation-2 week supply for home)
- Food, non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (canned food-be sure to have a manual can opener as well) (3 day evacuation-2 week supply for home)
- First aid kit
- Medications (at least a 7 day supply)
- Battery powered or crank radio
- Dust mask
- Whistle
- Extra Cash (ATMs may be inoperable)
- Multi-purpose tool like a swiss army knife
- Family and emergency contact information
- Cooler and Tervis
Some terms to know:
Tropical storm watch: tropical storm conditions possible within the area.
Hurricane watch: Hurricane conditions possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance.
Tropical storm warning: Tropical storm conditions expected within the area.
Hurricane warning: Hurricane conditions expected within the area. Eye: Clear, sometimes well defined center of the storm.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm.
Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions.
Storm surge: The result of ocean water swelling, flooding coastal and areas further on the island
