Hurricane survival guide

Once again it is the start of hurricane season.But do not worry just plan ahead.This is a guide to before and after a hurricane hits.Trust me i have been through several storms my self one of them being hurricane Andrew back in the nineties up until now.I got through them all with out any major problems,and so can you if you just plan ahead and follow a few tips, after this hurricanes should be less intimidating.I hope after reading this you will get a better understanding of how to live after the storm.

I can honestly say the single most important part of surviving a hurricane is to pay attention to evacuation orders.These orders are given by the local government,if they feel your area will be greatly affected by the storm.If these orders are given they are given for a good reason,so please Do not ignore evacuation orders.A lot of casualties of the hurricanes come from people who have chosen to stay with their homes instead of leaving.These people thought there was something they could do to save their belongings,but in reality there is nothing anyone can do for you once the storm actually makes landfall.

Another essential thing to do when preparing for a hurricane is to have your own personal plan for you and your family.When making a plan,you must plan as if you and your family would be cut off from the outside for at least a week.Your plan should include evacuation routes and a list of possible shelters,some of these shelters are pet friendly,so you won't have to worry about leaving your four legged friend behind.But if there have been no evacuation orders given and you plan on riding the storm out at home then also plan accordingly.You can do that by going through your home and running an overall assessment of your home.Check for your home strengths and weaknesses.Make sure all the windows of your home are secure.You can protect your windows with either hurricane shutters,wood or impact resistant windows.Thats because when the winds pick up there is a greater chance for flying debris.Also remember that putting tape over your window for protection is a myth.Tape will not protect your windows.

 Beware of flash flooding and stay out of flood waters if you can.These waters can be a danger because the is murky and contaminated,so you really never know the depth of the water until its too late.Also if you choose to drive after the storm you must respect these waters.Because almost always your car's engine can be flooded out,or you can drive right into a ditch and the vehicle will be stuck.So please respect the flood waters. 

 If you have the time and money you could also invest in sandbagging this is a great home protector.As the water can rise rapidly during a storm.So if you can sand bag make sure you set up a perimeter around your home to keep the water back.Or you can just keep a couple in front of the door.

Power outage is one of the more dreary after effects of a hurricane.Once the storm passes it can temporarily knockout power to the whole city and this is what causes most of the hardships for after a hurricane.So keep in mind all of your electrical needs because sometimes it can  take weeks for your power to return.

 The following is a list of must have items for before and after the storm.

 Water is the single most important part of your overall storm kit.Keep in mind that after a storm the water will not be potable,which means your drinking and cleaning water will be contaminated.So make sure you keep enough water in your home for each member of your home for at least one week.

 If you can afford a generator,this piece of equipment can basically return your life to normal during and after a storm.Just make sure you keep it gassed up and secured from any vandals.

 As you already know by know the power will be out so that means no refrigeration.So in order to feed yourself and your loved ones make sure you stock up on canned and dried food.

 Make sure you keep plenty of candles flashlights and batteries to keep your home well lite for when night comes.Also keep plenty of batteries,enough to keep your personal devices running after the storm.

 It doesn't matter whether it is gas or charcoal a grill is a must have cooking tool for after the storm.Unless you have a gas oven.

 If you have gas powered equipment like a car,then as soon as you get word of an impending storm head to the filling station and gas up.Make sure you get enough gas to last you a while.Because usually after a storm the gas stations are usually closed for multiple days like everything else.

 When planning for a storm keep in mind that you will need hard currency.Because most banks and atm machines will not have power after the storm.As well as credit card machines will not have power either.So if you know you will need money after the storm make a cash withdrawal before the storm hits.

 Make sure you keep a short wave radio on hand,because this will be your only notification from authorities after the hits and there is no power.So keep a radio to stay on top of things.

 These neat little gadgets are my personnel favorite because the power source is almost infinite.They need no batteries just a little elbow grease and that can go a long ways after a storm.