HURRICANE SEASON: What to Expect and How to Food Prep

BY REBECCA FENDING

Hurricane season is well underway, and with it, the potential for the roughest season in years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), this year might be one of the worst yet for hurricanes in terms of frequency and strength. For this reason, it may be a good idea for those living in the northern half of the state to put together a survival plan together in the event high winds, rain and power outages may reach them. With a predicted intense season ahead comes the need and urgency to have a plan to keep you, your family and your pets safe.

THE KIT BASICS

Although we’re well into hurricane season, it’s never too late to perfect your preparedness kit. This kit should be built in a waterproof container to preserve the contents should flooding occur in your home. Fill the kit with first aid supplies, flashlights, matches or filled lighters, a radio, shelfstable foods, extra prescription doses, a spare set of glasses (if possible), a portable charger for all electronic devices (including cell phones) and even a few spare sets of clothes, including undergarments.

FOOD PREP

Having a hurricane preparedness kit also means keeping an adequate supply of food for you and your family. Here are several ways you can keep your kit stocked and ready with nonperishable foods:

Double-bag everything. Even if an item’s original container is sealed, be sure to double-bag, wrap it or place dry goods in an airtight container. Be sure to bring extra containers, bags and wrap. Where there’s water, there’s a way. Should flooding occur, water can find its way through any compromised seal, including zipper bags or aluminum seals.

When possible, opt for sealed cans. Canned meats, vegetables, fruits and preserves are a great way to ensure that your food supply is safe from water and stays good for an extended period of time. Just be sure to pack a can opener in your kit!

Focus on the non-perishables. This may seem like a “duh,” but the realm of non-perishables is a wide range of possibilities. Not only does it include cans, but it also means dried beans, nut butters, dried fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and grains. These can help preserve a balanced diet, even in a natural disaster.

Pack LOTS of water for each person and animal in your home! Whether it be bottles, gallons or any other container, be sure it’s well sealed. You can even pack hydration multiplier packets such as Liquid IV to further stretch your water supply.

PET CARE

Often, folks forget to pack plenty of supplies for their pets too. Although the most important thing in a survival situation is keeping yourself safe, many of us may make our pets a priority. If that sounds like you, here are a few ways you can be sure that your pet is prepared for the worst: • Keep plenty of pet food in the kit. This could mean double-bagging kibble or doubling down on your supply of canned food. Canned food is ideal for the same reason listed above: it keeps much longer and remains untouched by water in the event of flooding.

• Pack Fido’s medications. Include any medications your pet needs, which could mean any CBD treats or supplements, as an evacuation or natural disaster situation can be just as stressful for pets as it is for humans.

• Keep up with medications and vet visits. Be sure that your pets are up-to-date on their heartworm medication, as well. In the wake of hurricane damage, there tends to be standing water which offers a breeding ground for mosquitos.

• Microchip your pet. If your pet is not microchipped, now is the time to make sure they are. In the event that you are separated from your pet, you need a way to be able to relocate and claim them. Most veterinarians charge around $10 for microchipping, so be sure to make an appointment as soon as possible as we enter hurricane season. For any other pet preparedness questions, visit www.petmd. com.

KEEP YOUR HOME STOCKED

As important as it is to have a well-stocked hurricane preparedness kit, it’s just as important to keep your pantry and freezer supplied with food in the event that high wind and rain trap you inside, as well as if or when the power goes out.

Keeping your home food spaces prepared essentially follows

the same guidelines as above. Stock up on pantry foods that are ready-to-eat, as you won’t be able to heat food or water unless you have a gas stove. This is where canned goods come in handy or even snacky stuff like nuts, crackers and dried fruits.

However, if you’re looking to keep your freezer stocked, make sure that it’s full. A well-stocked, full freezer will hold its temperature for up to 48 hours in the event of lost power. An understocked, roomy freezer will likely lose its temperature in about one day, spoiling any food quickly.

WHAT TO EXPECT

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, NOAA expects that this season will prove to be “above average” for those on the Atlantic coast, with up to 21 named storms from June to November. However, don’t let this scare you, as this is the seventh consecutive year that’s been expected to be above average.

“The increased activity anticipated this hurricane season is attributed to several climate factors, including the ongoing La Niña that is likely to persist throughout the hurricane season, warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds and an enhanced west African monsoon,” NOAA said in a press release.

Hurricanes and other natural disasters are less scary when you know you’re prepared. Be sure to keep you and your family safe by updating your preparedness kit and survival plan upto-date. Cycle through medications to ensure that your kit has the freshest supplies possible in the event of emergency. Plan as best you can, which means preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. Stay safe this hurricane season!

For a complete guide to packing a hurricane survival kit and other survival tips for preparedness, visit www. ready.gov. edm

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