Hurricane Season officially begins June 1 and last through November 30. Unfortunately, this close to the Gulf of Mexico, it only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena.
Ricewood MUD would like residents to consider making or refreshing their annual hurricane preparedness. Below are useful tips provided by the National Weather Services to ensure you and your family are prepared for the Hurricane Season.
Determine your risk
The threats from hurricanes to you and your family can vary widely depending on where you live. It’s not just those along the coast that can experience significant, life-threatening impacts. Evaluate what you need to do to protect your home and family NOW, before the first storm of the season even forms in the Gulf. noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Develop an evacuation plan
Make sure you have a hurricane evacuation plan. The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a storm surge hurricane evacuation zone or if you’re in a home that would be unsafe during a hurricane. If you are, figure out where you’d go and how you’d get there if told to evacuate. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles. Identify someone, perhaps a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone or unsafe home, and coordinate with them to use their home as your evacuation destination. Be sure to account for your pets, as most local shelters do not permit them. Put the plan in writing for you and those you care about. noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
Assemble disaster supplies
Just having enough supplies to make it through a hurricane isn’t enough. You need plenty to make it through what could be a LONG recovery period too. Water and electricity could be out for a week or more. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family for a MINIMUM of three days. Also make sure you have extra cash, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a portable crank or solar powered USB charger to charge your cell phone. ready.gov/kit
If possible, your kit should include the following:
- Seven-day supply of non-perishable (canned) food
- One gallon of drinking water, per day, for each member of your family, for seven days
- Cash – if power fails, ATMs may not work
- Portable battery or hand crank radio with the weather band
- Flashlights for each member of the family and extra batteries
- Personal items – medications, extra clothes, hygiene items
- Seven-day supply of food, water, and medication for your pets
Get an insurance checkup
Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance checkup to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home…and remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for flooding. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. floodsmart.gov
Strengthen your home
There's a lot you can do around your home to help protect it from hurricane winds. Take action now before hurricane season hits full-swing. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand high winds. flash.org/peril/hurricane
Help your neighbor
Many people rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions your community can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes. Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.
Complete a written plan
The time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, as the season begins. Once you’re under pressure, having a written plan will take the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family. Know where you will ride out the storm and get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared now will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor. ready.gov/plan
The Ricewood MUD website will be updated, as needed, with information regarding weather and storm warnings, flood risks, and any possible impacts to facilities or drainage as a result of severe weather. This will ensure that you have the most recent information as it relates specifically to Ricewood MUD.
Additionally, ensure that you have the most recent information as it relates to Ricewood MUD by signing up for the Ricewood MUD’s Resident Alert System, to receive communication through text and email updates.
Did you find this article helpful? Your neighbors and friends might too. Spread the news via the share button at the top of this article to Facebook, Twitter & Nextdoor!