Prepare for a Comfortable Hurricane

Not all of us can leave in a situation, and have to make the best of it. If you ever get caught in this situation, or just want to make it through the night in a hurricane as comfortably as possible, I can tell you how. I survived Hurricane Wilma and Hurricane Andrew and have learned some important tips.

At the beginning of hurricane season, if you rent, make sure you have renters insurance, and document all your valuables.

If you own, make sure all of your insurance policies are up to date, are safe and can be located easily.

Have all of your very important personal pictures, letters, drawings and other important items in a place that is safe from wind and water damage.

If you live in a mobile home, no matter how safe you think it is, get out. YOU ARE NOT SAFE!

Make sure your animals are with you or at a safe place. Maybe a friend will take them in a carrier, if you cannot afford a veterinarian or other boarding facility. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS!! They rely on you for their safety.

Make sure all of your important papers are safe in a location that can be easily located in case of total loss.

Have enough paper plates, spoons, forks, knives, napkins, paper towels and toilet paper to last at least 2 weeks.

Have plenty of garbage bags, including regular, and lawn for after hurricane cleanup.

Have duct tape for quick repairs when needed.

Have a toolbox with a wrench, screwdriver, hammer, and preferably a drill gun and hand saw. You may need to remove tree limbs and other debris as well as make immediate repairs.

Have a tarp in case of exposed areas that need coverage.

Fill up your car with gas and have at least a 5 gallon can of extra in case of emergency.

Have sunscreen and bug spray, as well as insect repellent.

Have plenty of pet food and other necessities on hand for your animals.

Have your medication filled for at least 2-3 weeks.

Have hand sanitizer and powder for quick cleanups.

Buy a battery powered television. You can get one for as little as $20 and they are great for camping as well.

Buy a charcoal or gas grill. You may need to cook after the hurricane, and these are invaluable tools. If you can get a small, portable grill this works well.

Buy a DVD player and some movies. This is great when the power goes out, especially if you have kids.

Have a portable game system you can play with a few games.

Have mp3’s or ipods charged and ready to go. Make sure you have enough music to keep you busy for awhile.

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Have a battery powered clock. This is essential.

Have a portable radio.

Have a battery charger. There  are some that can be hand cranked to charge your cell phone and other items, as well as run a radio.

Have plenty of lights. You will need at least one freestanding light for each room for maximum comfort, as well as a flashlight for each individual in the house.

Buy battery powered fans. You cannot open windows in a hurricane, and it can get hot. These can be found almost anywhere, but if all else fails, go to a camping store.

Buy a stash of magazines before the hurricane. The kids and adults can spend a little time reading.

Charge your cell phone.

Generators are great, but if you do not know how to use one, do not get one right before a hurricane. Most people who die or get injured do so after the hurricane, by stepping on power lines, fixing their roofs, or running a generator in an enclosed space, or too close to an open window.  Be careful when considering this option.

If you do get a generator, make sure you have gas and you have carefully read the instructions and know where you are going to put it.

Get a lock for your generator. They are a very hot commodity during a hurricane.

Have batteries for all items. You want at least one months worth. Remember, these items will get a lot of use. Prepare to go through many batteries.  This includes the TV, flashlights, and fans. Without the batteries, they are useless. Do not forget.

Have board games, like monopoly or battleship. These are great for downtime.

Have at least 3, 5 gallon jugs of water. These are great as toilet water if the water goes out, and for cleanup and sponge baths.

Buy bread, packaged cakes, dry milk, cereal, canned foods, bagels, boxed milk, chips, peanut butter and jelly, different types of drinks (enough for 2 weeks), pretzels, and anything else you can think of that is non-perishable. If you do not usually eat it though, do not buy it. Grocery stores are usually the first ones up and running after a hurricane, so it is important to have snacks on hand, but do not get too crazy. The drinks are the most important.

Make sure all of your laundry is done, your floors are cleaned and vacuumed, your bathroom is clean, your refrigerator is essential. If it is not clean, it will get pretty smelly.

Before the hurricane, make sure your refrigerator is on its highest setting.

Have at least 2 large coolers full of ice.

Fill your bathtub and sinks with water.

Make sure all items that are outside are secure.

Make sure all your windows are covered and secure.

Make sure you have all you need. After the winds reach around 40 miles per hour, 911 will no longer respond. You have to be prepared.

Hunker down and sit tight.