How to Prepare for a Hurricane

Power - by Joe Weber - updated on 6/28/2024

Every year hurricane season brings widespread devastation and displacement of many people living near the US coasts. Widespread flooding, power outages and extreme winds can cause catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, and let's not forget it's an extremely dangerous situation for you, your loved ones and the community as a whole.

Why Is It Important to Prepare For A Hurricane?

If the above wasn't enough to get you to prepare your home and family, then let's try this. Preparing for a hurricane can help mitigate some of the damages to personal property and give you time to evacuate if needed. Always being prepared is better than not being prepared, not just for hurricanes but for all severe weather.

Tips For Staying Prepared During Hurricane Season

Preparing for a hurricane is easier than you might think. Following these fairly simple steps, you can ensure you, your family and your home stay safe during a hurricane.

Download a weather app on your smartphone

Staying informed on the status of the weather and any emergency orders given by your state or local government is extremely important when you are in the path of a hurricane. Download a news or weather app on your phone to keep up on the radar and receive emergency weather notifications on your phone.

Get your car ready for an emergency evacuation

When the weather becomes particularly dangerous in your area, your state or local government officials may issue an emergency evacuation.

Keep your car up to date on recommended services such as oil changes, ensure your gas tank is full, and get your battery tested for free beforehand at your local Batteries Plus. The last thing you want is a dead battery when you need to evacuate.

We also recommend keeping a few things in your car at all times:

• Car Battery Charger
• Jump Starter
• Power Inverter
• Tire Inflator
• Phone Chargers & Cords
• A State Map
• Spare Jackets & Clothing

Prepare your home

Assess your wind or flood damage risk and update your home insurance as needed. You don't want to be left footing the bill because you don't have adequate homeowner's insurance.

Begin preparations as early as possible by removing and storing outdoor furnishings, consider installing storm shutters and removing debris from your yard, gutters, and storm drains. If you have a backup generator, test or replace the generator battery and don't forget to check on your sump pump batteries to ensure a flood-free basement.

If you have sensitive electronics like laptops, desktops or gaming systems, plug them into an appropriately sized UPS unit to protect your equipment from power outages, power surges or unsafe voltage fluctuations.

Pack a To-Go Bag

To-go bag, bug-out bag, go bag. It has many names but they are all the same thing. A bag, usually a backpack or duffel, filled with emergency and survival supplies like clothing, food, hygienic and toiletry items to use when the time calls for it. Honestly, it's something that you should have in any state, at any time and not just hurricane-prone areas for evacuations.

If you need help building your bag of emergency supplies, ready.gov has a great resource to help you build your emergency kit  .

Also, keeping important documents, like passports, IDs, social security cards, etc. in an easily accessible spot so you can pack those items in your bag when you leave the house is very important.

Riding Out the Storm

If you're in an area that isn't getting hit with the full force of the hurricane, and it's safe to stay home, there are still some things you can do to protect your home and family if things turn ugly.

Stock up on emergency supplies

Gather items that you'll need as you wait for the hurricane to pass. Water, non-perishable food, matches, a first-aid kit, and any necessary prescriptions are a good start. You should also consider a power bank for your cell phone, emergency flashlights or lanterns, and extra alkaline or lithium batteries.

Board Up the House

Fixing broken windows and doors comes with a hefty price tag. There is a simple solution to this problem, especially if storm shutters are installed. If you have storm shutters installed on your windows, shut them. If you don't have storm shutters, plywood is cheaper than replacing windows.

Go to your nearest hardware store and purchase several sheets of plywood and screw them in, covering your windows. Yes, there will be screw holes in your siding but it's better than spending a fortune on new windows when the debris is flying and breaks a window.

Protect Your Home From Water

Your home isn't watertight, especially around doors and windows. Sandbags, available at your local hardware store, are a great way to protect your home from water. Place them strategically around doors and windows to prevent water from entering your home. Flood damage is expensive and sometimes not covered by insurance. Protect your wallet and keep the water out.

How Do I Protect My Business During A Hurricane?

When you own and operate a business in a hurricane-prone area, there is even more to worry about when the storm is on its way.

To best prepare your business and its assets for the storm, follow these simple steps:

1. Pay attention to weather reports. Don't wait until it's too late to start preparing.
2. Create an emergency plan. Involve staff as much as possible in the planning process.
3. Communicate with the public about closures.
4. Protect employees. Give them enough time to evacuate if needed.
5. Have a communication plan in place for employees.
6. Ensure business data is protected.
7. Review your business insurance.
8. Create a rebuilding plan. hopefully, you don't need it but it's better to have it.

Don't Let Your Personal Or Business Property Get Swept Away

Let Batteries Plus help you get ready for the storm. Whether riding it out or evacuating, we can help you prepare as best as possible.

If you are riding out the storm, your power will more than likely go out. Be ready for outages with a lithium power station to keep your lights and air conditioner working during the storm. Shop our emergency prep items online or stop into your nearest Batteries Plus store to see all of the essential items like alkaline batteries we have to help you build your emergency kit.

Preparing your business?

Contact your dedicated Batteries Plus Business   account representative and let them know what you are planning and they will help you prepare the best way we know how with power and lighting solutions to keep you going through the storm.

Don't have a Batteries Plus business account? Sign up now! It's free and easy to get started. Plus, you get all of these great benefits:

• Have a dedicated account representative
• Receive a free on-site needs assessment
• Fast, local delivery from locally owned and operated Batteries Plus stores
• Products and services tailored to your business's needs
• Products and brands that are not available to retail customers
• Competitive volume pricing when ordering in larger quantities
• Battery and bulb recycling services
• And so much more!