6 Ways To Prepare For The 2022 Hurricane Season
27
Sep 2022
As of June 1st, hurricane season is back again. This year, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 14-20 named storms. A hurricane can quickly cause widespread devastation, but planning and preparing now, can make a big difference in the case of an emergency later. Our team at Personal Mini Storage compiled a list of 6 important ways you can prepare right now for the 2022 hurricane season.
Plan Your Evacuation Route
If you live in an area that may need to evacuate, especially coastal or low-lying areas, know your evacuation route ahead of time. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management has a website where you can find what roads are used for evacuations during an emergency. It’s still a good idea to be aware of these evacuation routes even if you don’t live in one of these areas. Florida counties also have an emergency shelter list that you can review ahead of time. Be sure to share your evacuation plans with family members so everyone knows where to go.
Stock Up Your Pantry
Once a hurricane is approaching, items like bottled water and canned goods tend to fly off store shelves. Many stores run out of supplies quickly, and you may not be able to get them if you wait until the last minute. Since stores are currently stocked up, grab water, canned foods and non-perishable goods the next time you head to the grocery or convenience store. Experts recommend having 7 days of supplies available for your family during an emergency.
Gather Emergency Supplies
Gathering emergency supplies in advance is another important step you should take before a hurricane arrives. Stock up on flashlights, candles, matches, first aid kits, a radio, toiletries, batteries, portable phone chargers, and blankets. Organize your supplies and keep them stored in the garage or nearby storage unit for easy access. Ready.gov has a full list of emergency supplies to have on hand. If you have any important medications or medical equipment, make sure your prescriptions are up to date and you have enough on hand.
Organize Important Documents
If an evacuation is mandatory, or if you are choosing to evacuate, you may be in a hurry to grab your stuff and hit the road. Taking important paper documents with you is extremely important. Get a folder or some type of storage, preferably one that is waterproof, for your paperwork and gather all your documents ahead of time. In addition to birth certificates, passports and social security cards, print extra copies of documents like your health insurance, homeowners insurance, bank information and an emergency contact list. Keep some extra cash in with these documents too, as it may come in handy if you evacuate.
Check Your Insurance
Insurance plays a huge factor into the aftermath of hurricane destruction. It’s best to review all details of your insurance before a hurricane hits, so you know exactly what kind of coverage you have as well as the insurance company’s specific storm policies. Home or renter’s insurance is most important, but don’t forget to check on health insurance, car insurance, storage unit insurance, flood insurance. and any other insurance you may have.
Prepare Your Home
If your home could possibly be damaged by a hurricane, it’s a good plan to stock up early on items like sandbags and plywood to cover windows. A storage unit is a great option to keep items like these packed away year round so they’re not taking up space in your garage. For inside your home, invest in surge protectors so your electronics don’t get fried in the event of a power outage. Outside, check that all your drains and gutters are cleared out so they are draining correctly and won’t create more flooding. If you have items like patio furniture, potted plants, flagpoles or any other items that may need to be put in before a hurricane comes, make sure you’ve cleared some room in your garage, attic, spare room or storage unit.
While we all hope this hurricane season will be more calm than last year, you never know what mother nature has in store this season. Remember, safety is most important, and you should always listen to government guidelines and mandates. Utilize these tips so you can be prepared ahead of time and have a safe game plan during the 2022 hurricane season!