Hurricanes & Windstorms...Be Prepared Everytime!
Wow, so far 2014 is full of news of the loss of life and property from natural disasters around the United States. Tragedies such as the mudslide in Washington state and so many deaths from the recent storms terrorizing the midwest and south remind us of how puny we are when up against the wrath of mother nature. Maybe we are puny but we are smart and we can prepare to make it through natural disasters like hurricanes and windstorms.
I have obtained a terrific outline of hurricane and windstorm preparations from the online website “Risk Conversation” by Chubb Insurance. The article references topics such as Measures to Consider if Renovating or Building a Home, Protecting Personal Belongings and Important Documents, Damage Prevention Steps When a Storm Approaches, Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit, Prepare an “Action Plan” in the Event of an Evacuation and If You Are Unable to Evacuate. Every section of this article has good steps listed for you to follow to better prepare you and your family for a hurricane or damaging windstorm.
Below the following section is a link to the full article, however, I am going to list the section on Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit because that is something that I regularly think about as bad weather approaches. When a storm is imminent I have, as I’m sure you have, gone to the hardware store and the grocery store only to be disappointed that shelves are bare. So, I’m going to heed by own advice and do the following:
Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit
- Watertight container: Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit throughout the hurricane season. Items should be stored in a watertight container.
- Water: Minimum 1 gallon per day, per person for one week is needed. Two quarts are for drinking and 2 quarts are for food preparation or sanitation. When a storm approaches, fill empty containers and a bathtub with water as an additional emergency supply.
- Food: A one-week supply of nonperishable food. Remember a nonelectric can opener, cooking tools, camping stove, paper plates and plastic utensils. Remember special dietary needs for infants, the elderly and pets.
- Clothing: Rain gear, sturdy shoes.
- First aid kit: Pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, an assortment of bandages and gauze pads, antiseptic, latex gloves, first aid cream, scissors, tweezers and a thermometer. Also include a two-week supply of prescription drugs.
- Flashlights and batteries: Keep these items on hand. Using candles for light can pose a fire hazard.
- Battery-operated radio: To help you stay informed of severe weather updates.
- Cash
- Bleach and antibacterial soap
- Toilet paper and personal hygiene items
- Plastic bags and tarps
- Matches
- Pillows and blankets
Store your kit in a place known to all family members. Replace and/or refresh items in your kit every six months.
Today I am going to count my blessings that my family and community are safe. Also, I’m going to heed the history of the traditional upcoming hurricane season here in Connecticut and get better prepared now. A good emergency kit along with my home generator will make future weather threats less stressful for my family.
To read the full article:
https://news.na.chubb.com/risk-conversation
Lastly, if you would like to see if your homeowners insurance policy covers you for damage from a hurricane or windstorm please follow this link to request a quote/review:
/coverage/home-insurance/
