How To

Your Essential Hurricane Preparation Guide & Checklist

It’s that time of year again.  The sun is shining and the weather is changing. As many look forward to the summer season, another season is upon us – hurricane season. As the saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” When it comes to hurricane preparedness, this sentiment rings especially true. 

Knowing how to prepare for a hurricane is crucial to ensuring your safety during these powerful storms. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to prepare for hurricane season and provide a comprehensive checklist to help you and your business gear up for the stormy season. 

For more industry-specific preparedness, read our post on preparing your construction site for summer storms.

We welcome you to contact ZTERS to learn more about how we can help keep you and your site safe.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Often, a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, requires emergency response to manage the displacement of hazardous waste. Necessary responses can include identification of unknown substances, spill containment, proper waste handling and clean-up. In the past, we’ve provided roll off dumpsters to help impacted areas recover.

Here are some more details on how to prepare for a hurricane:

Stay informed on weather updates

• Monitor local news updates, weather forecasts, and official announcements regarding the hurricane.
• Sign up for emergency alerts and warnings from local authorities.
• Keep a battery-powered radio or NOAA Weather Radio handy for receiving updates in case of power outages.

Create an emergency plan

• Develop an emergency plan and communicate it to all members of your household or worksite.
• Identify evacuation routes and shelters in your area.
• Make arrangements for pets, if applicable.
• Consider any special needs or medical requirements.

Prepare emergency supplies

• Non-perishable food items: Stock up on canned goods, dry snacks, and bottled water to last at least three days per person.
• Essential medications: Ensure an ample supply of prescription medications 
• First aid kit: Include bandages, disinfectant, pain relievers, and any necessary medical supplies.
• Flashlights and batteries: Have multiple flashlights in working condition along with spare batteries.
• Emergency power source: Purchase a portable generator or have a backup power supply available.
• Cash: Keep some cash on hand as ATMs and electronic payment systems may be affected.
• Find more information on disaster supplies kits here.

Secure your property

• Trim trees and branches that could potentially damage your home or block access roads.
• Reinforce doors and windows with storm shutters or plywood.
• Secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other objects that may become projectiles in strong winds.
• Install surge protectors to safeguard electrical equipment.
• Clear gutters and drains to prevent water buildup.

Safeguard important documents

• Gather essential documents such as identification papers, insurance policies, medical records, and important contact numbers.
• Place them in a waterproof, portable container or store them in a safe deposit box.

Prepare for power outages

• Have a supply of extra batteries for flashlights, radios, and other essential devices.
• Charge your cell phones and other electronic devices ahead of time.
• Consider purchasing a battery-operated or hand-cranked charger for your phones.

Evacuation preparation

• Pack a bag with essential items such as clothing, toiletries, important documents, and a basic toolkit.
• Prepare your vehicle with a full tank of gas, emergency supplies, and a map of evacuation routes.

What to do after the storm

• Wait until local authorities declare it safe before venturing outside.
• Beware of downed power lines and report them to the proper authorities.
• Inspect your home for damage and take photos for insurance claims.
• Check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those with special needs.

Hurricane Preparation Saves Lives

By following this hurricane preparation checklist, you can significantly increase your safety and minimize potential damage during a hurricane. ZTERS has been helping people through disaster recovery efforts for more than a decade. 

We work with thousands of vendors across the country, and can give you honest answers to your questions about disaster preparedness.

Remember, preparedness is the key to successfully navigating these severe weather events. Stay informed, plan ahead, and ensure you have all the necessary supplies to weather the storm.