10 tips to be prepared for hurricane season

We have been warned that the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season is going to be a busy one.

The season has just begun and already we have Tropical Storm Andrea swirling over the east-central gulf and expected to make landfall over north-west Florida. 

I urge everyone to seriously make a renewed effort to put together a hurricane plan and prepare now in the event Mother Nature sends a tropical storm or hurricane our way.

Here are three tips to get you started today.

Get you house in order

Fully assess your property and have on hand items that you may need before, during and after a hurricane so that you can avoid last minute supply shopping and you don’t end up paying more because of limited supply and high demand. 

Identify in advance, what outdoor preparation is needed prior to a storm and where outdoor plants, furniture and yard equipment will be stored.

Seniors may need physical help to bring these items indoors as well as to board up windows with plywood, trimming dangerous tree branches or limbs and making sure all shutters are in working order.

Stock up now

Get the supplies you need now - tarpaulin, plastic or plywood if needed, an updated first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, a well stocked emergency kit in your home and a smaller version in your car (please visit our web-site for a suggested list of emergency supplies, www.ca.gov.bm).

Do not overstock. We’ve all seen the grocery and hardware stores crowded with last minute shoppers prior to a storm or hurricane; do you really want to go through that? The rule of thumb is to have enough food and water to last up to seven days.

Items should be non-perishable and include canned goods and packaged foods that are easy to open and eat.

Have a communications plan

One of the things we tend to overlook during a hurricane is communication — this is vital, especially for seniors.

In the event we lose access to electricity and landlines, portable radios and cellular phones are important.

Have a battery-operated radio on hand and make sure that you have enough spare batteries as well.

If you have a cellular phone, fully charge the battery prior to any impending storm and if possible have extra charged batteries on hand and a car charger.

Keep a written list of emergency contact numbers next to all phones, laminated if possible so your list stays dry.

Include phone numbers of next of kin, close friends, doctors, local emergency shelters, and neighbours.

Honey Adams Bell is the education officer for Consumer Affairs.