Hurricane and Typhoon season is official here. The Eastern Pacific season starts May 15th and the Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st. Unlike other natural disasters like tornados or earthquakes, hurricanes often give those who will be effected time to prepare.
However, it’s still important to be prepared before a warning is even in place. If you’re a new expat to an area that experiences hurricanes or typhoons, this season can be especially frightening for you. However, here are a few tips from the National Hurricane Center that you will want to keep in mind to prepare for hurricane and typhoon season.
1. Make a plan
It’s important that if a hurricane were to strike everyone in your family knows what to do and where to go. More than likely calling or texting each other won’t be an option. Develop a plan beforehand on where to go if you are all at home and need to evacuate and a plan on where to meet if you are not all together but need to evacuate. Make sure everyone in your family is aware of the plan and knows how to make it happen.
2. Create an emergency kit before it’s needed
If you wait until a hurricane is upon you, you more than likely won’t have time to run to the store or will be faced with empty shelves if you can make it, since everyone else will be trying to also prepare. Create a kit that includes the following FEMA suggestions:
- Enough water for everyone to have a three day supply
- A battery operated radio
- A can opener
- Nonperishable food items like crackers, peanut butter, nuts, dry cereal and canned fruits and vegetables
- Antibacterial hand soap
- Household chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper
- A sleeping bag and pillow for each individual
- Infant formula and diapers
- Medications
- Pet food
- Matches
- Feminine and personal hygiene supplies
- Important family documents
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Fire Extinguisher
- A mess kit
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- A change of clothing for every individual
3. Keep a half tank of gas
Keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times during hurricane season in the event that you need to make an emergency evacuation. If you don’t have a car, establish ahead of time how you will evacuate.
4. Don’t return early
Don’t return home until it’s been cleared as safe to do so.
Be aware of the weather and news alerts, that way if a hurricane or typhoon is on the way you can use these tips and prepare as needed.
