If the constant rain and flooding hasn’t made it obvious, hurricane season has arrived. With recent years showing an increase in the intensity and frequency of hurricanes, it’s more crucial than ever to be prepared.
Stock up on essential supplies
Families should stock up on non-perishable food, and at least one gallon of water per person. Ensuring there is a sufficient supply of necessary medications and a first aid kit is also important. Students should also have flashlights and extra batteries in case of power outages, which are almost guaranteed to happen.
Prepare your vehicles and yard
Vehicles should have a full tank of gas and be in a safe place where it won’t be moved by the powerful winds. Hurricane winds can get up to 157 mph, which means yards should be cleared of any items that could become dangerous projectiles. Bikes, grills, and lawn furniture should be moved into the garage.
Protect Windows with Shutters
Putting up shutters is a very important safeguard to protect against the objects the wind throws at your house. Metal or plywood both work protecting the windows; or opt for storm proof windows, which work just as well.
Junior Aaron Santiago does just that, always making sure to put the storm shutters up to prepare for the worst. “When a hurricane comes, I prepare by putting up the shutters all around the windows days before. When it gets really bad, we go in the roof in our two story place,” he said.
Stay informed with the latest updates
Keeping up with the latest news about the storm is also very important. Listening to the local weather station and monitoring the hurricane can provide the necessary information of when and where the hurricane will hit, and if you need to evacuate.
However, chances are the power will go out, which is why it is always wise to have a radio on hand. Radios do not require electricity, only batteries. Find a reliable weather channel on the radio to stay informed.
“We make sure [that] the flashlights have batteries in them and stock up on water. [We] then get canned foods or any dry food, and listen to the radio for updates on the storm,” PPCHS Junior Angelika Campos said.
While listening to the radio or news, it’s important to distinguish between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning. A hurricane watch means conditions are likely for a hurricane and can be expected within 48 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that hurricane conditions are imminent within 36 hours.
Hopefully this has helped equip you with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for a hurricane. Stay prepared, Jags!
