Hurricane Readiness

Hurricanes are one of the potential negatives of living in the lowcountry.  But considering the grand place we are privileged to live in- we are very fortunate.  Hurricane season is June 1 through November, with the peak in mid September.  For those of us who survived Hugo- the memory is forever etched in our minds.  One way to survive mentally is to be ready.  There are a multitude of supply lists out there but I offer the following:

Keep trees and shrubs cut; eliminate dead limbs.

Make sure you check your insurance coverage every year prior to June 1 to ensure you have adequate coverage and make any necessary changes then. Do you need flood insurance?  Ask your insurance agent.

At the beginning of each year, get your chain saw ready, gather in the normal supplies- tarps, nails, duct tape, first aid kit, lumber, rope, flashlights complete with batteries, bleach, candles, battery operated radio, grill and supplies, lighters, disposable plates, napkins, paper towels, plastic utensils and toilet paper.

When a storm is on the "watch list," check your prescriptions-refill those you are allowed to refill.

As the storm approaches, fill your vehicles' gas tanks, get money from your bank and buy food supplies.

Plans must be made for evacuation- direction and possible accommodations for your stay.

If you are not evacuating- then drag out the coolers-fill with ice and put drinks, sandwich meat, cheese, etc in them.  Remember you are trying to stay out of the frig!  Put your refrigerator/freezer at the coolest setting 24 hours before the storm strikes and then stay out as much as possible.  Clean thoroughly, then fill the bathtub with water- use for flushing and sponge baths (do not contaminate).  Put in a central location in your home, candles, lighters, and your battery powered radio.  Place a flashlight in each room for future use.  

Find a central place in your home, away from windows and doors, preferably on a first level to set up. Plan on losing electricity- you may lose it for days so plan on being out at least 3-5 days. Sullivan's Island residents did not get back to even see their homes for weeks after Hugo. 

Pack your valuables to include all insurance policies in waterproof containers that are readily accessible.

If you have animals, you might consider getting a prescription or some sort of sedative for your animals.

Remember, we survived the earthquake in the 1800s, other hurricanes as well as Hugo- so we will recover from any storm sent our way.  

Being prepared makes the recovery move more quickly for each of us.  And so far, in 2011, we have been very fortunate!!

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