Our hurricane season has begun. From June 1st thru November 30th each year we have the most hurricanes. While it may be fun to see the different names of the season, it is no fun to get caugh unprepared.
During hurricane season, Raleigh can receive nearly 20 inches of rain, which is likely to cause flooding. This happens during storms when a lot of rain falls in a short period of tie with heavy winds.
Here are five tips to help you weather the storms:
- Place sandbags in areas where water may enter your home.
- Cover your windows and glass doors with plywood to protect against high winds.
- Move furniture and other valuables to higher ground.
- Have your emergency plan and kit ready.
- Leave your home if your neighborhood is evacuated.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a helpful emergency preparedness checklist at fema.gov
At a minimum, you should have these basic supplies:
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home).
- Flashlight.
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible).
- Extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items.
- Multi-purpose tool, like a Swiss Army knife.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
- Cell phone with charger.
- Family and emergency contact information.
- Extra cash (ATMs might be inoperable).
- Extra fuel for generator and car.
