Now, in the middle of autumn, the holiday season is in full swing and with it comes a lot of stress and worry that are not limited to the amount of money you spend. Hurricane season is coming to an end in November, and while it seems the end is near, we should look to the recent storm on the East Coast as a warning and take all necessary precautions. While the event of any natural disaster may seem unlikely at times, there are very real chances that something terrible could happen at any time. The best course of action right now is to make sure you are prepared for whatever may come your way.

Evacuation Zones

If you live outside of an evacuation zone, consider yourself very lucky. During an emergency situation, those whose homes are in low-lying areas or near large bodies of water should prepare to leave as soon as a warning is issued directing them to do so. Local emergency management offices will let you know if your home is in a safe area or not.

Action plan

If you live in an evacuation zone, prepare an action plan and discuss it with everyone in your household. Determine exactly where you will go in the event of a hurricane or tropical storm. Make a list of everything you want to take with you and plan to store the most precious belongings that you cannot take with you in an elevated and safe space. If you drive, fill up your gas tank frequently to avoid the mess and hassle of long lines when a warning is issued.

farts

If you plan to wait out the storm in a public shelter, keep in mind that not all places accept pets and most require you to provide your own food and water, as well as a carrier that allows the animal enough room to stand. Make sure your pets are up to date on all their shots and wear a collar or harness with identification in case they get lost. If you lose your pet, contact your local humane society as soon as possible.

supplies

If the power goes out in your home, refrigerated food will only last a few hours, which is why it’s so important to stock up on non-perishable items. Buying a generator is a great way to provide electricity for the things you need most, but at the very least, make sure you have enough flashlights and batteries on hand. Water is of course another much needed provision and a great way to store gallons is to fill your bathtubs. Make sure all of your phones and computers are charged enough to withstand a power outage, in case you need to reach someone. A first aid kit is another must-have item on your list along with toilet paper.

Preparing your Home

Plan to tape windows and/or secure them with plywood to prevent them from breaking. Pick up loose debris around the outside of your home, as it can contribute to further storm damage. Make sure your fridge is at the lowest temperature possible to preserve food for longer. Find a place inside your home that is not near a window and plan to stay there during the storm.

Hurricane Sandy Relief

There are many people on the East Coast who took every possible precaution to ensure their safety during the storm, but unfortunately most, if not all, are still dealing with the damaging after-effects. Fortunately, the American Red Cross is accepting donations to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy. All donations go towards providing victims with shelter, food, medical care, emotional support and emergency services.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002