Hurricane Survival Tips: How to Survive Natural Disasters

If hurricane survival is your goal, then preparedness is the solution. Being prepared is the most effective way to increase your chances of surviving natural disasters. We all know the destructive power of hurricanes, with the storm surges and flooding, as well as the turbulent winds.

How to Survive a Hurricane

Getting ready for natural disasters like these always involves having a hurricane survival kit and we have written a brief post on this before, which includes some tips.  These kits are almost always the most underrated and ignored survival tricks, which is a sad thing because these kits are in fact very useful. Have one ready at all times and remember to check the contents regularly and replace those that have expired.

Once you have taught yourself on packing and maintaining a kit, you have taken the first step towards emergency preparedness. Others may find this simple thing difficult to do, much less have the time to do it. We can never stress enough the importance of getting ready for anything.

Here are some tips to guide you in surviving hurricanes. If you have anything more to add, feel free to put them in the comments section.

Before a Hurricane

1. Prepare a supply kit

The most basic things you will need are food, water, clothing, bedding, first aid supplies, battery operated lighting, and tools. Also, consider wrapping all of your supplies in plastic sheets, to prevent them from getting wet should flooding occur. It would also be wise to invest in an inflatable raft large enough to carry your family and some supplies, just in case.

Supply kit contents:

Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person for 7 to 10 days. Katrina and Wilma should have emphasized the importance of having sufficient water on hand. Don’t forget some for your pets.
Food – at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods (Peanut butter; mixed PB&J; breakfast bars; crackers; canned fruit; raisins; chips;
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils / paper cups
— trash bags and duct tape – useful for clean-up, or patching leaks in an emergency
An ax to use if you stay and need to escape from your house – or other uses
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing – seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items – for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Bug spray, Cortisone for bug bites
Sunscreen & Lotion
Tarp to cover holes if needed.
Bleach
Water purification tablets
Waterless soap, this saves water for drinking
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio – Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Battery operated television, with extra batteries.
Cash – Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods. Make sure you have small bills because it will often be difficult to get change. If you only have a $100 and water is $10 for a case and you are limited to one case, you do not want to have the choice of paying $100 or having no water.
Keys to house, cars, boats etc
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents – in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc. Don’t forget your re-entry documents (e.g. stickers or passes). Many barrier islands require some documentation in order to return. Keep important phone numbers here. You may know them, but a loved one may not.
Tools – keep a set with you during the storm. A pocket knife, nails, a hammer and rope are important elements. Towels and buckets are useful too if you develop a leak.
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water
— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

2. Know your surroundings

Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. This will help you know how your property will be affected when storm surge or tidal flooding are forecasted. See more

3. Cover all of your home’s windows

Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Another year-round option would be installation of laminated glass with impact-resistant glazing. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. More tips from ready.gov

4. Keep a water supply

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation). Click here for the full post.

5. Keep a food supply

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High-energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods

See more here.

6. Make a plan

Have a family communication plan so family members know how to let others know they are safe and have a plan for reuniting if separated.

7. Crank up the cold

Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting so that food will last longer should the power go out. Keep the doors closed as much as possible to hold in the cold air.

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