Hurricane Headed Your Way? Here’s How to Prepare

Military families develop new survival skills with every change of zip code. One year it’s shoveling snow, the next it’s navigating earthquakes, and now it’s tracking hurricanes.

Hurricanes bring many things, but panic doesn’t have to be one of them. You’ll want to prepare for high winds, debris, power loss, falling objects, flood, damage to your personal property, school cancelations, potential evacuation, and -- most importantly -- the safety and security of your family.

25 Hurricane Season Tips for Your Family

Your Home

Stock up on hurricane supplies — batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, bug spray/citronella candles, matches, manual can opener, cooler, battery-operated radio, battery-operated fans, a grill, and power banks. Bonus points if you own a generator and a chainsaw.
Freeze tap water for cleaning, drinking, or for pets. Leave space at the top of the container so that it doesn’t crack when the ice expands.
Sanitize a bathtub and fill it with water.
Make room for ice by using perishable items. Make ice cubes and store them in bags in your freezer, or fill empty plastic milk cartons with water to freeze and use as ice blocks in case of power loss.
Secure loose items in your yard (grills, chairs, toys, trash cans, etc.) that may become projectiles in high winds.
Take “before” photos/videos of your home for a personal inventory. Move these to a shared drive in case your device gets damaged.

Your Vehicle

Clear out your garage to safely park your car inside.
Ensure you have a full tank of gas, full tires, and that oil and other fluids are in check.
In the event of an evacuation, have toll money in your vehicle, and consider taking only one car to minimize traffic.

Your Valuables

Take photos of important documents and email them to yourself or put them in a shared drive. Store these documents in sealed bags or plastic bins off the floor in case of flooding.

Your Money

Get cash ahead of time, and/or have checks printed up, so that you aren’t solely reliant on plastic. Electronic systems may go down.
In the event of an out-of-state evacuation, notify your bank and credit card company so your cards aren’t restricted.

Your Pets

Ensure that you have water and food for your pets for several days.
Microchipping your pet can help you reconnect in the event they get lost.
In case of evacuation, bring necessary carriers, leashes, and records. Some shelters and safe havens require these.

Your Communications

Program contact information for your insurance company in your phone, and have a hard copy list of important phone numbers, in case your phone dies.
Have portable power banks, and USB cords for your vehicle.
Turn on Emergency and Public Safety Alerts in your phone’s settings.
If you have a weather tracking app, turn on notifications, and don’t silence your phone overnight.
To preserve battery life, dim your device’s screen and close all apps and tabs that aren’t being used.

Your Family

During a severe thunderstorm with lightning, unplug important devices that aren’t plugged into a surge protector (tv, microwave, laptops, stand mixers, etc.)
Understand the difference: a storm watch means that conditions are favorable, a storm warning means that a tornado has been spotted and to take cover immediately.
Take shelter in a small, interior room putting as many walls between you and the outside as possible, staying away from windows, skylights, and glass doors throughout the storm.
Educate your family on storms and your plan beforehand to help reduce panic. If kids are scared while you’re sheltering, talk to them calmly, reassure them, and sing songs or recall happy memories as a distraction.
When the eye of the storm passes over, all will sound calm and quiet. A second round will soon hit, so remain in your safe space until the storm has passed.

As hurricane season approaches, simple preparations can make a big impact. Armed Forces Insurance offers coverage options built to safeguard what you value. Learn more by visiting AFI.

Back