Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane Prep. The first year you are here and experience the June 1 to November 30th hurricane season, you can feel a bit overwhelmed. Here are a few top ten tips for preparing for hurricane season.

1. Find a website you like that will give you updates on hurricane paths, strength, and when it will be nearby. Mark these as your favorite and consult them often.

2. Tune into the weather channel. They have updates at 10 minutes to the hour each day during hurricane season.

3. Make sure you have many gallon jugs of water. If the power goes out after a storm, you will need water to bathe, drink, and flush toilets, unless you have a generator, and then, you should be OK.

4. If you have a generator, make sure that the fuel tank is topped off – a full tank can last several days to several weeks if the power is out.

5. If there is a threat on its way, make sure you keep your gas tank in your car full. If there is a hit, it will be a while before gas can get to the island, so you will want to make sure you are topped off.

6. If you have propane tanks for a grill or for your house, make sure these are also full so you will be able to cook if the power is out.

7. Keep batteries and flashlights working and stocked in case the power goes out. You will want light to see in the nighttime. Candles are a good item to keep around too!

8. Keep plenty of canned foods. If there is no power, the refrigerated items will last only 24 hours and the freezer items only 48 hours. Once the power is out for that period of time, you will want canned foods for dinner!

9. Secure your property. Remember that any item can become airborne in even the slightest winds. These airborne items can cause damage to your property as well as to your neighbor’s property. You should also board up the property and make sure that these flying objects can’t fly through your windows.

10. Don’t panic. Lots of rumors and negative advice is given during hurricane season. Educate yourself, talk to people you trust, and don’t get caught up in the negative hype that can surround the threat of a hurricane.