How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to expect during hurricane season. Even the experts have a difficult time predicting exactly what will happen, which is why it’s important to prepare in advance. It’s always a good idea to expect the best, but prepare for the worst. This is probably why National Hurricane Preparedness Week is in May – it gives you time to plan for an emergency that might occur in subsequent months. However, it’s also a good idea to start planning right now.

For starters, you’ll want to assess your risk, which will depend on where you live and work. Since some regions are more prone to hurricanes, the level of your preparation should coincide with the risk. Next, you should establish and practice an evacuation plan. This should involve all of the family members who live in the same home and include transportation plans. For instance, you should be familiar with different routes that you will take in an emergency.

Next, you’ll want to gather all of the supplies that you’ll need. FEMA has provided an acronym that’s easy to remember. It’s the Five Ps of Hurricane Evacuation and includes People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs and Priceless items. This will involve gathering insurance documents, communicating with your neighbors and protecting your home.