Hurricane Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe During the Storm

As we enter the peak of hurricane season, the team at CouponXoo wants to remind residents about the importance of taking advance safety precautions. CouponXoo is dedicated to helping consumers save money by providing the best coupons and deals. With hurricane threats comes financial impacts - so the site is tracking top offers to help stock emergency kits and supplies affordably.

Build an Emergency Kit

Put together a well-stocked emergency kit before the storm hits. The kit should include important supplies like bottled water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, manual can opener, battery-powered radio, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, medications, baby supplies, pet food and supplies. Also include protective items like a weather radio, masks, gloves and plastic sheeting/tarps. Store your kit in an easy to access area like your basement, garage or high cupboard. Don't forget to replenish any items you use from your kit. Keeping your kit fully stocked well in advance helps reduce panic and ensures you have what you need no matter what.

Must-Have Items for Your Emergency Kit:

Water: The most essential item is water, as the general recommendation is to store at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation needs like hydration and hygiene. Store water in plastic containers and replace it every 6 months.
Non-perishable foods: Pack shelf-stable canned goods that do not require cooking like beans, nuts, peanut butter, granola bars and jerky. Avoid items needing refrigeration. Be sure to include a manual can opener in case no power.
First aid supplies: A fully stocked first aid kit is a must with essentials like various sizes of bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication and any daily prescription drugs.
Flashlights and batteries: Having multiple flashlights on hand is important when the power goes out. Store fresh batteries and keep charged portable battery packs or hand cranks for recharging lights and phones.
Portable radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio allows you to stay up-to-date with weather alerts and emergency instructions from local officials. Have extra batteries.
Multitool or Swiss Army knife: A pocket-sized multitool can help with emergency repairs, opening food containers and self-defense in a pinch.
Cash on hand: ATMs and credit cards may be unusable, so stash at least $50-$100 in small bills for immediate purchasing needs after a disaster strikes.

Know Your Evacuation Route

Pay attention to evacuation orders from local officials and know your evacuation route. Hurricanes can cause significant flooding in low-lying areas and storm surge near the coast. If you are in an evacuation zone, leave early before roads and highways become impassable from flooding or debris. Have a plan for where you will go and multiple routes to your destination in case roads are closed. Bring your emergency kit and supplies like gas cans, as service stations may lose power. Board up or shutter all windows and secure outdoor furniture/decorations. Turn off utilities if instructed and let others know where you are going.

Stock Up on Supplies

In addition to your emergency kit, stock up on general household supplies before the storm arrives. Pick up non-perishable groceries, water, gas for generators/vehicles, propane, batteries, tarps, rope, manual can opener, coolers, ice and cash. The power could be out for extended periods, so shelf-stable items are ideal. Get prescriptions filled and medical supplies replenished. Service any generators and gather fuel safely away from living areas. Board all important documents, valuables, electronics andbreakables well in advance. Planning your supply needs minimizes post-storm shopping.

Protect Your Home

Take proactive steps to safeguard your home from wind and water damage. Trim trees and shrubs away from your roof and exterior. Bring in all outdoor furniture, decor, trash cans and other loose items that could become flying projectiles. Install hurricane shutters or board up windows securely with 5/8” marine plywood, screws and framing supports. Cut visqueen or plastic sheeting appropriately to seal windows, doors and the foundation if flooding threatens. Roof inspection before the season is also wise for any repairs. Sandbagging may help protect from storm surge. Park vehicles in a garage if possible, or on higher ground facing the direction of evacuating traffic.

Stay Informed

Reliable preparation starts with monitoring official hurricane forecasts, watches and warnings carefully. Pay attention to evacuation notices from local authorities. Download preparedness apps for real-time weather alerts or sign up for text/email notifications. Charged smartphones, tablets and battery backup ensure you can stay updated without power. NOAA Weather Radio receivers provide round-the-clock severe weather updates. Monitor local media sources as well for emergency directions during the storm's approach and aftermath. Knowledge is power, so remain informed as the situation develops.

Make Safety a Priority

Once a hurricane watch or warning is issued, complete all preparations and head to shelter immediately if asked to evacuate for your protection. Avoid flooded and storm-damaged areas after the storm passed. Never try to walk, swim or drive through flood waters which may hide fallen debris, power lines and wildlife. Instead, wait until authorities give the all-clear. Running generators requires proper ventilation for your carbon monoxide safety. Watch out for wildlife and insects displaced by high water or winds as well. Making safety a top concern during and after the storm is of utmost importance.

Recover and Rebuild Cautiously

Hurricanes leave behind a trail of damage through winds, floods and storm surge. Return home only when authorities say it is entirely safe to do so. Watch every step as debris, slippery surfaces and downed electrical wires pose serious risks. Use flashlights instead of candles/lanterns due to open flames and hurricane-weary homes. Examine utilities and connections carefully as restarting systems could cause overloading. Call in professionals if you are not sure about structural or utility problems. Contact your insurance provider quickly if needing to file a claim for losses. With sensible recovery measures, you can spare yourself and others from injury as communities bounce back together after the storm.

Taking the necessary precautions before, during and after every hurricane season helps reduce risks to lives and property from these dangerous storms. Staying informed, building emergency kits, securing your home and sheltering in is vital. With advanced planning and caution at all stages, you can ride out these powerful weather events as safely as possible. Please continue accessing CouponXoo for the latest offers assisting with timely preparedness and budget-friendly recovery in future seasons. Staying informed through trusted sources will empower you whenever severe weather threatens.