How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Northeast USA
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Shingles and siding can become dangerous projectiles in hurricane winds.wood shingles image by Michel Essiambre from Fotolia.com
Install plywood sheets to board up large glass areas like windows and doors. Fit the plywood panels outside to the openings and attach securely with lag bolts or deck screws. Further, repair loose siding or shingles that strong winds might be able to get under. - 2
Gutters and downspouts need to be clean so rain water will flow freely away from your home.Dachrinne image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com
Clean gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. Rainwater will pour off the roof and across the yard during hurricane weather. Ensure a clear drainage path to runoff. Clear fallen branches, leaves and other objects that can interfere with drainage. - 3
Lawn chairs, yard ornaments, trash containers and other loose items should be secured.old white garden chair in a grass floor image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
Pick up and put away lawn chairs, recycle bins, trash containers, garden ornaments, outdoor toys, hanging planters, bird feeders and anything else that could become airborne in high winds. Bring in hanging signs or other objects that might become projectiles.
If you have a swing set or other large yard items, do what you can to secure it to something solid. Remove and put away the swing seats and chains. Tree swings should be tied securely to the tree trunk or other support. - 4
Make sure exterior doors are securely latched.church doors image by Jeffrey Sinnock from Fotolia.com
Check all storm/screen doors and exterior doors to ensure they are securely latched and locked. Barricade doors from the inside if your home has doors that open outward. Hurricane winds will blow the doors in more readily than out. Place a heavy piece of furniture against a secured door before the storm; something that can be moved in case you need to get out quickly. - 5
Keep important papers, cash, keys, credit cards and other similar items in a safe place.papers image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Gather up important papers: insurance policies, bank account numbers, social security cards and other items that are difficult to replace or are crucial for insurance claims. Get some extra cash, in case ATMs are not working and you need to make purchases. Put these items into waterproof zip-top bags and keep them where you can access them quickly; next to your purse, wallet and car keys. Ensure everyone knows where these important items are kept. - 6
Solar battery chargers are useful to keep your rechargeable devices operational.solar cells image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Fill your cars with fuel, in case you need to leave the area and gas stations are without power or otherwise unable to provide fuel. - 7
Water is essential. Be sure to have ample supply of safe, clean water on hand.Water image by cartho from Fotolia.com
Set aside three gallons of drinking water per person, per day for three to five days. The water is for cooking, brushing teeth, washing up, cleaning up and general hygiene.
Buy water in five gallon, non-BPA plastic containers with a spigot. Put one in the bathroom, the others in the kitchen or your shelter-room to use as needed.
For sanitation purposes, fill several pails with tap water and set them in the bathtub. Using pails instead of filling the tub itself allows use of the tub drain. Cover the pails to keep the water clean, and to prevent small children from tampering or playing with them. - 8
Have several clean changes of clothing in your "shelter area".babies clothes image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
Keep a good supply of moist wipes and baby powder on hand, and a small hospital basin to use for periodic freshening up. Hot showers will likely not be possible if power is lost. Have ample paper towels on hand, as well. - 9
Have several flashlights, lanterns, and other lighting on hand, as well as batteries for them.flashlight image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com
Stock up on lanterns, candles, flashlights and appropriate batteries. You will need flashlights and camp lanterns that use solar-charged batteries, or if you prefer, get the ones that use regular batteries. Have some candles on hand, but use sparingly, and use only contained candles in glass jars with covers. Never leave burning candles unattended. - 10
Try to have a variety and balance of foods, snacks, juice, fruits, and other edibles.food set image by sanyal from Fotolia.com
Plan out food and snacks for at least 3-5 days of no power, which means no microwave and no refrigerator. Canned meats, chopped or sliced with ketchup or mustard on fold-over-bread makes an easy sandwich that can be added to or reduced according to preference. Use up lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and other items in the refrigerator that may quickly spoil if power goes out. Packets of condiments can be kept unrefrigerated for long periods.
Gel-fuel, propane, and other camp stoves can be temporarily set atop your kitchen stove for emergency use. These stoves work well for heating a pan of water for instant coffee or tea, or cooking a small one or two pan dinner. Canned ravioli or spaghetti with a can of green beans stirred in makes a quick and tasty meal.
Do not use camp stoves as a source of comfort heat.
You'll need staple foods like canned or powdered milk, sugar, salt and pepper, other seasonings and condiments and other canned foods of your preference. Plan your menus ahead of time to approximate quantities. Buy juice cartons, single serving iced tea packs, paper plates, cups and utensils. Bread, dried and fresh fruits snack food are also very important. - 11
Your pets needs must be part of your planning strategy.pets love (greetings card) image by araraadt from Fotolia.com
Include your pets in all your planning, especially water and food. Have ample fresh kitty litter on hand for their sanitation needs during the storm. Use litter pans for cats and other small pets; use a thick pile of newspapers with a layer of litter to soak up urine for dogs and other larger animals. Keep your pets indoors with you; they are frightened and insecure too. - 12
Don't forget to include some fun things in your planning for hurricane weather.fun 4 u image by Laura Benson from Fotolia.com
Gather up some various tools, and place them where you'll have easy access to them during the hurricane or storm; just the basic hand tools like hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, wire-cutters, small saws, cordless drill/drivers. You might need them for emergency repairs. - 13
Charge your cell phone fully. Have an extra battery for your cell phone if possible, and even a solar powered battery charger for your rechargeable items.
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