During a Hurricane- seconds matter.

Why put you or your family at risk because you did not prepare accordingly?

Before a storm officially becomes a hurricane, start basic preparations for the whole season by building your own hurricane kit. Most hurricane prone area residents have a basic hurricane kit. Now is the time to break it out. Just like changing the batteries in the fire alert in your home, a hurricane kit needs updating annually. During hurricane season it is essential to neatly organize and designate an area for each category of need for easy access. A tropical depression, storm, hurricane, even a thunderstorm, can cause the need for items in your stock of emergency supplies. Keep a healthy supply and replace any used or expired items.

Surprisingly, most people have items for a hurricane kit in their home already. Hurricane season is the time to organize and plan for the unlikely event  a hurricane  crosses your area. During a power outage or water intrusion is not the time to hunt for batteries, flashlights, and other necessary items when you need them. Now is the time to know where to gain quick access to each item necessary.

The categories of part 2 of the hurricane readiness series are: Getting Organized, Lighting/Power, Comfort Items, and First Aid Kits. I will cover other essentials in future blogs.

First, get out your hurricane kit. Remove all the items for inventory.

Build and Organize your Hurricane Kit

Organize

Each year is different, so is your kit, so are your needs. Have your check list ready and be sure each item in good working order on your list.

Make a category for each category on your list. Organize according to importance. For example, water and food items will need easy access. Lighting will need immediate access. Hopefully, First Aid will not be necessary, but make this category available to grab quickly. You get the point. Mark the container clearly on all sides so you can quickly find what you need.

Hint: Place a light source in each container to examine the contents. This extends the life of necessary lighting, and also serves as a backup when energy runs low. Tape  Mini LED Flashlights on the inside top for easy access. This will provide adequate lighting to examine the contents in your holding container.

Power Sources

Fuel

During Hurricane season, it is a good idea to get in the habit of keeping you car fuel full. Long lines and higher prices are likely. Keep one full tank of gas your vehicle requires in a safe place, and in the proper container. Do this only when the storm is approaching. Do not keep gasoline stored for long periods of time. Gasoline can become gelatinized if not used. Even a tank sitting unused for long periods can cause damage to a vehicle engine or other gasoline powered equipment.

Never transport fuel in a passenger enclosed vehicle. Gasoline fumes are extremely hazardous, and should only be transported in a proper container, tightly secured, and ventilated. If you unable to transport fuel consult with a experienced individual for proper transport. In the case of an evacuation, get to your closest emergency shelter, and leave the excess fuel container behind.

All gasoline should be in a open area tightly and properly sealed upright and in a location where it will not tip and spill. Preferably, in a fuel storage box.

After the storm, why not take advantage of utilizing the fuel with items you own such as lawn mowers and other fuel powered equipment. I do not personally use stored fuel in my vehicle. In a dire situation, yes, I will. Keep in mind, a vehicle engine is more expensive to replace than lawn equipment. Better yet, if you have people tending to your property, provide some much needed gasoline to your yard professional. Store the container for next season-empty.

Batteries

Keep all batteries separated from other items. Batteries can and will leak and ruin a item if kept inside a flashlight or other battery powered device. Be sure to remove batteries from all items after the season and store. Remember, you will need enough energy for 14 days. This requires a lot of batteries. Limit your use and conserve energy if using batteries.

Solar shields are available for low energy items. Generally, during a storm, batteries and self cranking items will be your only source of power. Plan accordingly.

Battery Backup: Many are available and can provide a various amount of time for power without the use of electricity. If your budget allows having one available is advisable. Battery backups also come with a variety of plug ins and can even rapidly restore a phone or other USB device. Again, use conservatively. Time is not on your side during a storm.

Generators

Generators are available in all shapes and sizes. For the most part, they are used after the storm. Gasoline, solar, and whole home generators are available depending on your budget and family needs. Do not expect to find one as a storm approaches. Purchase the appropriate one long before a storm hits, learn it’s needs for functioning, and NEVER place a generator powered by gasoline in your home. EVER!

Lighting

Check all flashlights are in working order. If not replace them with LED Flashlights. They last longer and provide better lighting with less power.

Have available a NOAA radio with an attached flashlight. Preferably, one that works with and without electric, or batteries.

Battery camp lighting lanterns with handles are best for lighting, LED light switches, battery powered bulbs, flash lights, and candles are also sources of lighting, and can be in one storage bin.  This is the first place you will head with a poor outage, keep this in close proximity. Keep a light source near your bed and multiple areas in the home for easy access. During Season, I personally place one source of lighting in each area of my home. This includes bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, garage, and especially outside your safety area.

Personal Advice: Avoid the use of compact florescent bulbs. If they rupture, they can spill small amounts of mercury in an enclosed area. This is toxic and a health hazard. They are also, in some cases, less bright and take longer to illuminate fully.

Candles are used for back up, and a last resort. The air in your home is precious. Using candles can raise Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels in your home and affect your health if you’re limited on ventilation. Candles are also a fire hazard if knocked over or burning when asleep. Have an assortment of candles ready with Water Proof Matches, but save them for last. Purchase a CO Monitor if using candles. If the CO monitor alarms, blow out candles immediately, get to a well ventilated area, and/or seek emergency care if needed.

Hint: On each item requiring batteries, write the type and number of batteries it takes. Package the batteries in a plastic container and tape to the item to make quick installation possible.

First Aid Kit

Having a first aid kit is essential. In addition to packing it with bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, alcohol pads, gauze pads, tape, and other essentials found on the Red Cross’ web site, redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit, be sure to include a list of all prescribed medications each family member is taking, the pharmacy location, phone number, the prescription number, and all physicians with phone numbers. When possible get more than a month’s supply of medication when a storm is approaching. Most pharmacies are more than willing to provide your medication. They will not be able to refill after a storm if a transport vehicle cannot make it to the area.

Note: Don’t place your prescription medication in the first aid kit unless evacuation becomes necessary. Keep all prescriptions with the list near and easy to grab and go.

Personally, I buy and keep an advanced safety kit, stop the bleed kit, and have an AED in my First Aid Kit. After all, I am a Nurse Practitioner, and I may be the only help my family has when 911 is called. I recommend this First Aid Kit for the novice using first aid supplies. This kit is clearly labeled, compact, comes with instructions, and room for additional items.

When first aid of any type is necessary, look to the most experienced and least squeamish. Take a deep breath and deal with what’s in front of you until a professional arrives. Do your best. It is better than nothing at all. I have been there. Even as a professional, there are limits. Be kind to yourself.

Note: Keep in mind, help may not be able to get to you until it’s safe to enter an area. However, a professional can walk you through an emergency on the phone. Keep at least one communication device ready for use at all times, and keep your GPS location mode turned on during a storm. It may be the only way to locate you in the event of a disaster. Keeping electronic devices in a Water Proof Device Bag is a great idea. Most devices will not work if they get wet.

Comfort Items

Bulky items such as sleeping bags, blow up mattresses, and pillows are easily kept on a shelf or tucked into a bag, or even an unused suitcase. Keep these items in your safety zone. Children’s toys, coloring books, paperback books, a book light, and smaller items can easily be stored in a smaller container in the safety area. Believe me, you will need something to keep you occupied once inside your safety zone. It is a scary place. Let’s try and make it less scary. I personally like a fully charged mini JamBox and headphones to listen to music to drown out the noise of a hurricane. Just be sure at least one set of ears are open to potential emergencies if you feel the same.

You might be wondering why I include comfort items in a priority hurricane readiness blog. Waiting out a hurricane can be very scary for adults, the elderly, and especially children. Having comfort items ready can ease even the slightest bit of stress and keep people calm during the worst of the storm. Keeping calm and a level head for all can not only ease stress, it can save a life.

 

Stay tuned for Part 3 of the series on Preparing for a hurricane.