Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane

Depending on where you live, hurricane season is a force of nature that must be reckoned with year after year. As summer winds down, the storms kick up and hits coastal communities with torrential winds and downpours. Some strong and enduring hurricanes can affect areas up to 200 miles inland and can still be dangerous even if they drop in severity ratings to a tropical storm. Whether you face hurricanes each year or just want to be prepared for thunderstorms and other types of serious inclement weather, follow the tips and principles below to keep your head, your home, and your family out of deep water.

Be aware.

Hurricanes can cause large-scale damage to businesses, homes, roads and infrastructure. While most people in the United States will have days or weeks of warning before a storm hits close to home, it’s important to keep current on local news and weather reports – especially as storm season approaches. The powerful winds, heavy rainfall and flooding can be some of the most potentially devastating weather events a community can experience, and you’ll want to know what’s coming well beforehand.

Be Prepared.

There’s a multitude of ways to prepare for storms, emergencies, and natural disasters. Even if hurricanes aren’t a threat in your backyard, having your ducks in a row can instill confidence among family members and may just come in handy one day. Here are a few things you can do to stay ahead of the game if nature throws you a curve ball:

• Create a household evacuation plan. Discuss where and how you will evacuate. Consider hotels, staying with friends or family in a safe area, or going to an American Red Cross shelter.
• Have a weatherproof container with copies of personal documents, passports, birth certificates, insurance cards and bank and security information
• Assemble a family emergency kit, including:
  • Water
  • Food
  • Medications
  • Personal hygiene items
  • A first aid kit
  • Emergency blankets and extra cash.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, cell phones with chargers and extra house and car keys
  • emergency contact information and maps

Be Safe.

When you know a hurricane’s on its way, there are a few steps to take in the days or hours beforehand:

• Fill your car’s gas tank to full and stock your vehicle with emergency supplies and a change of clothes.
• Have plenty of drinking water stored and non-perishable food items available
• Secure all windows, doors and loose outside items
• If you have a backup generator, have extra fuel stored safely
• Make sure all family members know the plan and Rule #1: Don’t Panic.

 

Historic note: WD-40 Company’s support for hurricane recovery efforts dates back to 1961, when employees came in after hours to supply enough WD-40_®️ Multi-Use Product to meet the disaster needs for the victims of Hurricane Carla. Our classic formula was used to recondition flood- and rain-damaged vehicles and equipment along the Gulf Coast, and many households today continue to have a blue and yellow can in their home for storm preparedness.

 

Tip: Ensure critical items in emergency kits such flashlights, radios, and by cleaning away dirt, oil and condensation from sensitive electronics with WD-40 Specialist_® Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray.