What To Do If A Hurricane Strikes

Hurricanes can be devastating if you are not prepared. Every year, hurricanes do millions of dollars in damage to cities, towns, and local residents and businesses. But you can minimize that damage if you take basic preparedness measures for what to do if a hurricane strikes.

Always pay attention to your local disaster warning network. These warnings usually take the form of radio and TV broadcasts. People living along coastal areas where hurricanes do the most damage generally have good Hurricane Warning tracking centers with their local television, radio, and civil defense centers. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provides good advance warning to approaching hurricanes and storms. Once you are aware that there is a potentially dangerous hurricane or storm approaching, there are some basic preparations the individual, families, and businesses can carry out.

Always have a few gallons of potable water stored. The water can be in regular store-bought bottles, or improvised containers, such as milk jugs. Have a source of light, such as flashlights and lanterns. Food that is ready to eat, or easily prepared without electricity, should be stored. Be prepared to survive for an extended period without electricity. These basic precautions will enable you to survive a hurricane with minimal damage and discomfort.