With hurricane season 2021 beginning this week, we here at TechHouse wanted to make sure our customers know what they can do to best prepare themselves. We know many employees are now working from home and hope these five tips help you stay safe.
Create a Plan
It’s wise to have a plan ready before the Hurricane Watches and Warnings begin to appear. Create or update your call list ahead of time, so you can reach loved ones and emergency contacts if needed. While it’s good to have the numbers in your phone, it’s better to have them written out on paper in case you lose electricity and you’re unable to charge your cell phone.
Prepare an emergency safety kit in case anyone in your home needs first-aid. Finally, be aware of nearby shelters and all evacuation routes if you need to leave your home or the area. If you have pets, make sure to find a shelter, pet-friendly hotel, or relative they can stay with if you have to evacuate.
Once you have created your plan, remember to go over it with your family.
Stock Up on Supplies
During or after a hurricane, you may lose access to electricity, food, and water. Roads may also be flooded or blocked by debris.
You’ll want to make sure to stock up on nonperishables, water, medicine, flashlights and batteries, pet food, and other personal items in case you need to hunker down. You’ll also want to secure important documents like wills, driver’s licenses, and passports, as they may be difficult to replace.
Prepare Your Car
If you have a car, make sure to fill up the gas tank before the storm hits. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle as well, as you never know what may happen on the road. If you are planning to stay home, move your car into the garage or under cover.
Prepare Your Home
Cover up windows and doors. Pull down the storm shutters if you have them or nail plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows from shattering. Clear your porch and lawn. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow over and damage your home: patio furniture, grills, bicycles, decorations, etc. Fill clean containers with drinking water and perhaps even fill your bathtubs and sinks with water for washing if you need it.
Listen to the National Weather Service and Local Authorities
You can find National Weather Service alerts on the TV, radio, and online. Stay informed, so you know if there are any Hurricane Warnings or Watches in your area.
If there are, always listen to the authorities for guidance on whether you should evacuate or stay at home. Your home and property can be replaced. Your life and your loved ones’ can’t.
We hope these tips help you and your family stay safe this hurricane season.
For more preparation and safety tips, please visit the CDC’s Natural Disasters and Severe Weather page.