Hurricane Preparedness Tips

• Wash all trashcans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets.  Keep in bathrooms.
• Fill all tubs and sinks with water, if possible also fill your washing machine with water and leave the lid open (so it doesn’t run).
• Fill drinking cups, water bottles, travel mugs with water and store in the fridge or cover with cling wrap on the counter.  Use these first over store bought bottled water.
• Raid the recycling bin and wash out old milk, juice and other bottles.  Fill with water and freeze.  Make sure to leave a small space that top so the container doesn’t crack as the water expands. (Note: this water is not for drinking unless bottles were sanitized first).
• Put any extra old bottles in the bathrooms, filled with water so you can wash your hands.
• Don’t forget about water needs of your pets as you fill bottles and container.

Fridge/Freezer

• Empty and bag any ice in your ice maker now.  When it gets full keep emptying it and storing so you have extra ice.
• Fill ANY extra space in your freezer with bottles of water (see tip above) or even Ziploc bags of water.  They will freeze and help keep things colder longer.
• Clean out any expiring food now. That includes 4/5 eaten ice cream cartons.  This makes room for more water and ice.
• Make sure you have a manual can opener and paper plates!

Power

• Charge any device now that provides light: laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.
• Lower A/C temp and the temp in your fridge before the storm comes.
• Gather all candles, matches, lighters, batteries and other items to one location.
• Refill any propane tanks.  Consider getting an extra one.
• Unplug any electronic devices to be safe from power surges and lightening.
• If you run a generator it MUST NOT be indoors or in a garage.

Important Items

• Fill up car fuel tank and extra gas cans.  Check tire pressure and oil.
• Have enough cash to pay any tolls needed and to eat two meals if needed.  With large storms credit card systems will go down in some areas.
• Refill any medications now.
• Place wallet, medications, snacks and change of clothes in a backpack.
• Put towels, rags, beach towels etc. on all window sills and in front of doors to collect water that seeps in during strong wind.
• Put any important documents that you aren’t taking with you in sealed storage bags inside a storage container and place in the top of a second story closet.  If that is not an option consider placing the container in your dishwasher and shut the door to seal it.
• Take pictures and email them to yourself of important documents.
• If you have time take a video of each room of your house to help with claims later and proof of ownership.