Selling a Home?
How to prepare for hurricane season
by Kat Apf
Most people tend to think of Florida when it comes to hurricanes but North Carolinians should not forget we get hit by hurricanes, too. We need to be prepared in advance to minimize the various ways a hurricane impacts us. The hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
It's been about six years since North Carolina has been struck by a hurricane but this year could be different. According to The Richmond County Daily Journal, Governor Perdue urged North Carolinians to get ready. She said, “North Carolinians understand well the dangers of hurricanes and tropical storms, and we know that the coast isn’t the only place that is vulnerable this time of year. Storms that track inland have brought devastation across the Tar Heel state, and that means I have one message for all of our residents— no matter where you live, you need to be prepared. We all need to be disaster-ready at all times.”
So how do you get prepared?
You can either designate a closet or other area of your home or garage for hurricane supplies. Buy large plastic storage bins for your supplies and pick an easily accessible place to store them. Update them each year before June 1.
The first thing you should think about doing is sealing your important papers in water-tight plastic bags. Gather up all your birth certificates, insurance papers and anything that documents important information and put them in plastic bags.
You'll need a battery operated radio and extra batteries.
You'll also need flashlights and extra batteries for those. It's better to use flashlights rather than candles to avoid accidental fires.
Non-perishable foods are important. Canned food and anything that can be prepared without heat and water. A good start here is canned tuna, crackers, canned fruit, juice, granola bars and bread. If you have an infant who is either still on formula or baby food, you'll want to have at least a three day supply of formula and baby food in your hurricane ready kit. Don't forget a hand operated can opener.
Water is imperative to a good hurricane kit. It's estimated that each person in your family will need a gallon of water a day. It's recommended you keep at least a three day supply in your hurricane ready kit.
A good first aid kit, either one you assemble or an already assembled one, is something you'll absolutely want to include. If you assemble your own, be sure you've got band-aids in assorted sizes, antibacterial ointment, gauze, surgical tape, hand sanitizer, latex gloves, tweezers and small scissors. Also, any over the counter pain relievers that you use regularly need to be included such as Tylenol, Advil or Rolaids.
A few tools that are handy to have around at any time, not just during a hurricane, are a shut off wrench, in case you need to shut off the water or gas and pliers. A small tool kit is handy in any emergency situation and should be be in your hurricane kit.
Cash is a good idea, as well. Credit cards and check books are good but cash is better. If a store is open but has no power, they may take cash but they probably won't take credit cards or checks.
A full tank of gas is a good way to be prepared. If the power is out, chances are you won't be able to pump gas.
Include rain gear and heavy shoes in your hurricane kit. And extra bedding. Also, add, if possible an extra pair of eyeglasses or contacts.
If you take prescription medication, you'll want to be sure you have enough to last over the time period while you may not be able to get to the pharmacy or while the pharmacy might be closed. It's a good idea to have enough extra medications for a week or two, if possible, because you never know how long it can take for life to begin again after a hurricane.
Don't forget to include anything you might need for your pet. Extra food, water and any medications your pet might take should be included in your hurricane kit.
The main thing to remember is to get these items assembled well before a hurricane is on the way. Otherwise, you'll be fighting all the last minute shoppers who also put off getting ready and with all the stress of a hurricane coming, the last thing you want is to stress out over having the right supplies.