4 Quick Tips to Stay Prepared for Hurricane Florence

Featured Image:  Jack Gruber, USA TODAY.

Bigger than South Carolina and North Carolina combined, Hurricane Florence is about to make quite the impression. Florence, now downgraded to a category 2 storm with winds of 110 mph, is still a real threat to our coastline especially when it comes to rainfall, storm surge, and flooding. Even though it is now expected to shift south to make landfall just below Myrtle Beach on Saturday, it’s exact direction is still somewhat unknown. With comparisons to devastating Hugo of 1989, the only thing certain about a cone of uncertainty like this, is that the best thing to do is be prepared for any and every outcome.

Check out these quick tips for surviving Hurricane Florence:

1. Create a plan and execute it.

Pack an emergency kit, including money, medication, and a few days worth of food and water. Also, get gas before leaving! Many gas stations are beginning to run out of gas. To see what gas stations you can fuel up at, check out Gasbuddy. If your house floods, you can’t return home immediately, so it is essential to have a plan, especially if you live in a flood zone. Not sure if you live in a flood zone? Get informed here.

2. Bring all valuables with you during evacuation. If you stay, keep them safe!

It is highly recommended that you photograph or scan important documents, such as driver’s license, passports, social security cards, prescriptions, and all other legal documents. You can upload them to a hard drive, take them with you when evacuating, or store them in a fireproof, watertight container. Keep this, and other important belongings, with you or in a place with higher elevation.

3. Stock up on plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food.

It is also recommended that you freeze all cold products in case you lose power. This will allow your cold products to remain cool for a longer period of time. In case of lost power, a tightly packed freezer can stay cold for 48 hours. Non perishable foods will be your best option, in case you lose power for many days. Keep these items, and water, stored on high, secure shelves so they will be safe away from flooding. Along with food and water, be sure to safely store your household chemicals. When they mix with floodwaters, they become dangerous to your health and can cause fires and explosions.

4. Secure your doors and window.

Board up your windows to prevent leaks and broken glass, and if necessary secure your doors as well. If you do not board up your windows, to prevent damage, clean up yard debris! Safely dispose of branches, secure rain gutters, and clear your yard of bikes, trash cans, and outdoor furniture.

Read more from the source.