The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30, and it’s important that your household is prepared to weather any storm. Kong Management Group is here to help you plan for safety, before, during, and after a hurricane. Even when there is no severe weather on the radar, we encourage you to start making preparations now with these useful tips.
Know Your Zone
The first step in preparation is knowing your community’s risk of hurricanes. You can find your evacuation zone and maps at https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone. Take the time to review potential evacuation routes from your community and identify nearby shelter locations. Also, familiarize yourself with any updated plans and safety requirements for emergency shelters, so you can plan accordingly!
We also recommend that you download helpful apps like FEMA and sign up for local emergency alerts, so you can stay informed.
Start Gathering Supplies Today
With shortages of items and delayed delivery times due to international supply chain issues, your preparations for hurricane season may be challenging. We recommend that you start gathering essential supplies now, including non-perishable food and water to last for a minimum of seven days for each member of your household, a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. If you have pets, don’t forget to get enough supplies for them, too!
In addition to gathering these essential supplies, you will also need to make sure that important documents like your insurance policies and your ID are current. Keep these documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
Have A Hurricane Plan
It’s a good idea to have a hurricane plan for your entire household. If you or a loved one has a disability, you may need additional help during an emergency, so make sure to include those accommodations in your plan. Also, if you have pets, you may need to make separate plans for their care, since many public shelters do not allow animals.
As part of your planning, identify where everyone in your household will stay in the event of a hurricane emergency and practice how you’ll get there before there’s a storm threat.
Make An Emergency Go-Kit
A “go kit” for sheltering is a portable collection of emergency supplies and information. As you gather your supplies, pack a bag to serve as your go kit, making sure to include changes of clothes, prescription medications, phone chargers, and cash.
Protect Your Property
Preparing your home, inside and out, will also help you stay safe. Make sure to declutter drains and gutters, and bring loose, lightweight objects inside, like patio furniture and garbage cans, which will help protect your home in heavy rains and high winds. You also can install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups and consider hurricane shutters for your home. In addition, review your insurance policies!
Stay Safe DURING A Storm
Before the hurricane arrives, make sure your phone is charged, your car (if you have one) has gas, and turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting. Watch your TV meteorologist, listen to NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts on the radio, or check your city/county website for the latest updates and emergency instructions.
If you are not evacuating, get ready to hunker down at your home, staying away from windows. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you must evacuate to a public emergency shelter, follow all local orders and comply with safety requirements.
Stay Safe AFTER A Storm
After the severe weather passes, the number one thing to do is to listen to authorities for information and special instructions. If the power or water is out, be prepared that it may take longer than usual for utilities to be restored. Because the phone system may also be down, use text messages or social media to stay in touch with family and friends.
Only eat safe food and drink safe water. If you are ill or injured, contact your doctor immediately for guidance. If you have a pre-existing condition, make sure to continue your prescribed treatment.
As you clean up after a storm, avoid any standing water, which can contain dangerous debris or can be electrically charged by downed power lines. If you notice damage to your home, document it with photographs and make sure to contact your insurance company for assistance.
The threat of severe weather can be stressful, but advance preparations can help ease some of your worries. If you are a resident at a Kong Management Group property and need assistance, contact us at 866-499-9026 or info@kongmg.com. Our residents are our top priority, and we want you to stay safe in any weather.
