Hurricane Readiness Checklist
Hurricanes are one of the most catastrophic forces of nature. We can recognize this by looking at the massacre left by the 1900 Galveston Hurricane which killed an estimated 12,000 people, Hurricane Andrew which generated $27 billion worth of damage, and most notably Hurricane Katrina which killed nearly 2,000 people and caused $125 billion worth of damage. Today we’re going to discuss what you can do to survive a hurricane and how to effectively prepare for one.
Intel
Track the hurricane with multiple weather radars for more accuracy, monitor wind speeds, and rate of travel. After the hurricane passes, be sure to keep collecting intel as situations change and new threats can emerge (looting, fires, etc.).
Power/Heat/Cooking Alternatives
Planning for the worst-case scenario is what we do as preppers. That being said, we should expect to lose electricity. This means having alternatives to electricity including but not limited to:
• Generators
• Gasoline
• Propane
• Batteries
• Portable Chargers (always keep fully charged)
• HAM Radios
• Hand Crank Radios
• Matches
• Lighters
• Ferro Rods
• Candles
• Flashlights
• Lanterns
• Solar Generators (handheld and panels)
• Barbecue Grills
• Non-electric Can Openers
• Wood Burning Stoves
• Hand Crank Grain Mills
Reliable Transportation
It’s not always necessary to bug out for a hurricane, but having a reliable vehicle to do so can mean life or death. We recommend the following to ensure your vehicle is dependable and ready to bugout:
• Change Oil per Recommended Mileage
• Check Brakes at Least Twice a Year
• Tune-up at Least Twice a Year
• Have Spare Tire
• Always Check Tires
• Ensure Vehicle is Legal
• Always Have a Full Tank of Gas
• Filled Gas Cans
Bugout Bag
Whether you’re bugging in or out, having your bugout bag is a necessity. Supplies can run low and situations can change, so be sure you’re ready to bugout!
Water
Hydration is vital to our survival and having adequate drinking water is the difference between life or death. We recommend having multiple sources of clean drinking water properly stored. This includes:
• Gallon Containers
• Water Bottles
• Reused Bottles
In addition to having clean water, we recommend having multiple methods to purify water which include:
• Water Filters
• Water Purification Tablets
• Distillation
• Sedimentation
• Chlorine Purification
When practicing any type of water purification, be sure to use the guides provided via local, state, or federal sources.
Food
While water is at the top of our list, nutrition is a close second. Proper nutrition will keep our bodies strong and give us the energy keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We recommend storing foods that meet at least two of the following requirements:
• High in Calories
• Easy to Store
• Palatable (favorite foods)
Perpetuating normalcy by storing our favorite foods is a great morale boost, which can change the dynamic of an entire situation. We recommend the following foods for your hurricane ration supply:
• Peanut Butter
• Dried Fruit
• Cheese
• Dark Chocolate
• Almonds
• Sweet Potatoes
• Granola
• Whole Powdered Milk
• Canned Foods
• Rice
• Beans
• Corn
• Dehydrated Red Meats
• Dehydrated Poultry
• Dehydrated Fish
• Pasta
• Trail Mix
• Olive Oil
• Chips
• Candy Bars
Medical
With water and food squared away, we need to focus on our first-aid response. This includes more than an IFAK or trauma kit, it should mimic a robust field kit and having at least two is recommended. This includes but isn’t limited to:
• Flares
• Glowsticks
• Headlamp
• Medical Gloves
• Gauze Pads
• Trauma Pads
• Band Aids
• Wound Dressings
• Packing Gauze
• Cotton Swabs
• Triangular Bandages
• Self-adherent Wraps
• Splint
• Tourniquet
• Trauma Shears
• Tweezers
• Super Glue
• Suture Kit
• Thermal Blanket
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Antimicrobial Wipes
• Antibiotic Cream
• Eye Wash
• Eye Shield
• CPR Face Mask
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• 91% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Burn Cream
• Insect Bite Cream
• Headache Medication
• Pain Reliever
• Allergy Medication
• Cough/Cold Medicine
• Prescription Medications
• Bleed Stop
• Topical Hemostatic Agent
• Surgical Tape
• Nasal Pharyngeal Airways
• Chest Seals
• Decompression Needles
Security
When we think of security, we almost immediately think of tools used primarily for self defense. Hurricanes create threats to not only us and our loved ones, but also our homes. So when addressing security, we’re referring to what we can do to secure our homes from hurricanes as well as potential manmade threats. Below is our list of what we can do:
• Install High Impact Windows
• Strengthen Outside of Windows
• Install Mechanical Shutters
• Reinforce all Entry Points
• Elevate all Electronic Devices
• Strengthen Roof
• Secure Your HVAC System
• Remove any Loose Foliage
• Shut Off all Circuits to your HVAC to Avoid Damage
• Close and Reinforce Your Garage
• Close all Interior Doors
• Place Sandbags Around Home
• Place Vehicles in Garage
• Clear Clogged Gutters
• Lock all Exterior Doors
• Invest in Self Defense Items (choose what works best for you)
Personal Items
Regardless of what threat we’re faced with, it’s a good idea to ensure our personal items are accounted for. This includes but isn’t limited to:
• Legal Documents
• Keepsakes
• Family Photos
Regarding any type of documentation or pictures, we recommend using a fireproof/waterproof/crush proof/rust proof non-electric safe.
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