Do you live anywhere from North Carolina to Maine? Hurricane Earl has moved past and now the United States is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Igor. This category 5 hurricane is swirling in the Atlantic Ocean with a path dangerously close to the United States.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, between 14 and 23 named hurricanes are on tap with three to seven predicted to be major hurricanes. Hurricane Igor is in a select group. Hurricane Igor is the 24th category 5 storm in history.
The number and intensity of the storms are due in part to warmer water temperatures combined with recent rainfall. With this much activity in a five month hurricane season window, how do you prepare for the worst?
Hurricane season has now begun. Solid plans need to be in place now.
Water: Bring enough drinking water for at least one week. Best case scenario is to have one gallon of water per person for this time period.
Food: Can foods are the best option. Do not travel with perishable items. The purpose is in the event you have a cooler and run out of ice. Especially if you are traveling on roads without convenience stations, your food will spoil.
First-Aid/Medications: Everyone should have a first aid kit handy even when natural disasters aren’t imminent. Tuck an additional first aid kit in your car. Medication should be at least a week’s worth as well. Contact your local physician prior to leaving to ensure your prescriptions are called in the pharmacy.
Clothing: When gathering clothes for a potential evacuation, remember functionality over style. Pack seven days worth of clothes and stay with the essentials.
Flashlights: An often forgotten tool needed in a power outage. All flashlights should be in one location for easy access if the power goes out.
Batteries: Have additional batteries for all of your electronic devices, especially your flashlights.
Cash: Chances are if power is out, then ATM’s will not be operational. Allow yourself enough money for your normal daily spending. If you are evacuating, you may need more.
Important documents: You should invest in a water proof storage container such as safe if you are staying in your home during the storm. If you are evacuating, ensure all documents are maintained in one specific location.
Portable radio/TV: A great investment if the power goes out. Portable devices are essential if an evacuation is announced in your particular location.
Gas: Fill your car up with gas early. If an evacuation is called, everyone in town will be at local gas stations.
Preparation is the key to “staying ahead of the storm”. Now this list is not all inclusive, but will get you a head start in prepare for an extremely active hurricane season, especially Hurricane Igor.
