Hurricane Preparedness

The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, and it’s important that your household is prepared to weather any storm. Here is a list of tips from Ready.gov to help you plan for safety, before, during, and after a hurricane.

Start preparing TODAY:

  • Know your community’s risk of hurricanes.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts at https://www.ready.gov/alerts.
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system:
  • Gather needed supplies for seven days, including shelf-stable food and water, a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and pet food. With international supply chain issues, getting supplies might take extra time, so start preparations now.
  • If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
  • Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
  • Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place. Please note that, if you or anyone in your household is an individual with a disability, you may need additional help during an emergency.
  • Make a “go kit” for sheltering, which is a portable collection of emergency supplies and information. Make sure to include changes of clothes, prescription medications, phone chargers, and cash in your go kit!
  • Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
  • Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
  • Declutter drains and gutters, and limit outside objects, like patio furniture.

 

What to do when a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving:

  • Turn on your TV or radio in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Make sure your emergency supplies are stocked.
  • Plan how to communicate with family members if you lose power. For example, you can call, text, email or use social media. Remember that during disasters, sending text messages is usually reliable and faster than making phone calls because phone lines are often overloaded.
  • Review your evacuation zone, evacuation route, and shelter locations with your family. You may have to leave quickly so plan ahead.
  • If you have a car, make sure it has gas. Stock your vehicle with your go kit.

 

What to do when a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving:

  • Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructions.
  • Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.
  • Cover all of your home’s windows. Call your property’s maintenance team for assistance.

 

What to do when a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving:

  • Turn on your TV/radio or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  • Charge your cell phone now so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.

 

What to do when a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving:

  • If you’re not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let your loved ones know your location.
  • As winds pick up, make sure to stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
  • Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator to be able to check the food temperature when the power is restored.
  • Turn on your TV/radio or check your city/county website every 30 minutes in order to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

 

What to do DURING a hurricane:

  • If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
  • If you go to a public emergency shelter, follow all local orders and comply with safety requirements.
  • If sheltering at home during high winds, go to a small, interior, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor that is not subject to flooding.
  • If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.
  • Listen for current emergency information and instructions.
  • Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery outdoors ONLY and away from windows.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
  • Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

 

How to stay safe AFTER a hurricane:

  • Listen to authorities for information and special instructions. Continue to follow local orders for safety.
  • Be careful during clean-up. Wear protective clothing and work with someone else.
  • Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.
  • Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
  • If the power or water is out, be prepared that it may take longer than usual for utilities to be restored.
  • Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to communicate with family and friends.
  • Document any property damage with photographs. Contact your insurance company for assistance.
  • If you are ill or injured, contact your doctor immediately for guidance. If you have a pre-existing condition, make sure to continue your prescribed treatment.

 

If you have any questions, contact us at 866-499-9026 or info@kongmg.com. Our residents are our top priority, and we want you to stay safe in any weather!