The Northeast has seen its share of hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, and near misses by them all. Certainly, Boston has seen enough of its share to understand that a near miss from a hurricane can still pack a powerful punch. Hurricanes are not only destructive, they can also be deadly. A little extra helping of hurricane preparedness before the storm can help you weather the worst Mother Nature throws your way.
The Beginning of Hurricane Season
While hurricanes can form, and strike at any time, hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean begins on June 1 each year and runs through November 30. These are the times, historically speaking, when conditions are most favorable for storms to form in the Atlantic. At the beginning of hurricane season, you need to put together a hurricane kit, map out your city’s escape routes, and buy supplies to secure your home in the event of a hurricane hitting the area.
What is a Hurricane Kit?
Ideally, a hurricane kit is a large, easily portable duffle bag filled with emergency supplies you can grab and go, if necessary, upon hearing the news of a hurricane approaching. Even if you intend to ride out the storm, it’s wise to have a hurricane kit prepared in case you must quickly exit your home during the storm due to storm surge, which can occur even if you are far inland when creeks, streams, and rivers rise.
Your storm kit needs to include the following, at minimum:
- Drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day – estimate three days minimum).
- Flashlights.
- Storm radios.
- Canned food that can eaten from the tin.
- Manual can opener.
- Energy bars.
- Crackers.
- Prescription medications.
- Cash (ideally several hundred dollars).
- Paper towels.
- Wet wipes.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Clothing (two changes of clothing per person).
- Batteries.
- Toiletries.
- Diapers for babies.
Of course, if you have pets, you’ll want to include things for your pets. You’ll also want to consider entertainment for small children. Don’t forget to pack a “go bag” for them, a small backpack they can carry with toys and activities that will keep them entertained if they must spend hours in the dark, in the car, or you must relocate to an emergency shelter.
A Family Emergency Plan
Finally, have an emergency plan in place for your family. Not just for during the storm, but also about where you will meet up and how you will communicate after the storm to let everyone know you’ve made it through or to relay vital information. In the area of widespread storms, cell towers and power outages may make communication spotty for days. An emergency plan gives everyone a clear plan, a sense of purpose, and helps to relieve initial fears and confusion.
Deland, Gibson Insurance understands that uncertainties in life happen. Our goal is to help you manage your risks and weather the storms with as little damage as possible. Contact us today to make sure your home is sufficiently covered for whatever storms come your way.
Providing Peace of Mind Through Proactive Service
Deland, Gibson: a Trusted Choice, Five Star Accredited independent insurance agency. Established in Massachusetts in 1900, Deland, Gibson is a 4th generation family-run insurance agency that has thrived working as a trusted advisor for its client base. We work with individuals and businesses to lower their Total Cost of Risk. We analyze a client’s direct and indirect costs and implement risk reduction plans to address areas of business, hazard, or strategic risk.
