Hurricane Preparedness Starts With A Plan

By Jon Duka

The 2021 hurricane season is expected to have more storms than usual. We all know what happens when a hurricane heads toward us: lines at gas stations form, grocery store shelves empty, and room rates at hotels north of us skyrocket. The most important thing someone can do to ensure they are safe in the event of a major storm is to create a hurricane emergency plan. Should I Stay or Should I Go

The first and perhaps most important thing to plan is whether or not you will stay or leave when a storm hits. If leaving is part of your plan, make sure you know where you are going long before storm season. Pre-arranging a visit with family or friends will make things much less stressful.

Plan your evacuation route thoroughly and what time of day you plan to evacuate. There are only two major highways that run north from Broward County. Driving at night may be a better idea than during the day if many people are evacuating.

If you decide to stay, make sure your hurricane kit is ready. Be prepared for temporary power disruptions. Public water sources may become contaminated, so be sure to have plenty of bottled water. You might even want to fill a tub the day of the storm. Home Preparations

It is critical to prepare your home and property for a storm regardless of whether you stay or leave. Much of this work can be done long before a hurricane is imminent. Clean up and remove debris or any item that could become airborne and damage property. Make sure hurricane shutters are easily accessible and that you have the correct amount to secure your home properly. Make sure you know who will be putting the shutters up in the event of a storm. Trim trees and bushes and remove ripe coconuts from trees. Pack Your Kit

Pack your hurricane kit or check last year’s to make sure everything is up to date. Stores typically sell out fast when a storm is on its way. Having everything you need ahead of time makes dealing with a storm much easier.

Hurricanes can inflict horrible damage to our homes and communities. If we have a good plan, we can minimize the risk to ourselves and our families. Stay safe!

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