Hurricane Safety Zone - Hurricane Preparations

Hurricane Preparations Save Lives

When a hurricane is looming, you have decisions to make about whether to evacuate or not. In most cases, this is the best thing you can do to ensure hurricane safety for you and your loved ones. No matter what you decide to do, there are crucial hurricane preparations that need to be made. Remember, proper hurricane preparation is key to surviving.

Hurricane Preparations If You Evacuate

Right now, Hurricane Rita is threatening the Texas Gulf Coast. Hurricane evacuations are being suggested, and hopefully the residents of these areas are heeding the warnings. If you decide to evacuate in the event of a hurricane, you need to make hurricane preparations to your house, your car and your belongings.

Here's a list of hurricane preparations to make to your house. Some of these hurricane preparation tips can save your life:

Put up your hurricane shutters if you have them. If not, install plywood that's at least 1/2-3/4 of an inch thick.
Turn off your water and electricity
Place breakables in bathtubs and cover them with blankets and towels
Remove anything from your yard that could become a "missle" when it becomes airborne. For example, any outdoor furniture, play toys, bikes, trash cans, potted plants, wind chimes, grills, etc.
If you have a pool, make sure there's plenty of chlorine in it and you put the cover on to prevent flooding.

Here's a list of hurricane preparations for your car:

Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Also, make sure you have the ability to change a flat tire if that happens.
Make sure all fluids are at the appropriate levels.
Make sure your car is equipped with maps or a road atlas and a first aid kit.
Make sure you bring a cell phone and a cell phone charger that works in your car, pillows, blankets, toiletries, prescription medications, food and bottled water, cots or air mattresses, toilet paper and towels. (All of these things are necessary in case you get stranded somewhere while traveling.)

To protect and secure important documents, pictures and other things that can't be replaced, make sure you put them in a watertight container. If you evacuate, bring these things with you. All of these hurricane preparations are important. If you don't believe us, look at the victims of Hurricane Katrina.