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Prepare and Rehearse Your Hurricane Emergency Strategy

Readiness hasn't got to wait for disaster. Brace yourself and your loved ones for this hurricane season, now!

,   and  ASMedia
3 min read
Prepare and Exercise Your Hurricane Preparedness Strategy
Prepare and Exercise Your Hurricane Preparedness Strategy

Prepare and Rehearse Your Hurricane Emergency Strategy

As the hurricane season approaches, it's essential to be prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 9 to 15 named storms in 2019, with 4 to 8 becoming hurricanes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create an effective emergency plan for your family.

Make an Emergency Plan

  1. Identify and write down multiple evacuation routes to ensure a quick escape when needed.
  2. Decide where your family will stay if evacuation is necessary and plan transportation accordingly.
  3. Select and program emergency phone numbers, keeping a physical copy accessible near every phone.
  4. Sign up for real-time alerts and warnings, such as the FEMA app or local emergency alert systems.
  5. Determine trusted sources for news during outages, like a battery-operated or hand-crank radio tuned to NOAA or local stations.
  6. Locate nearby shelters, including pet-friendly options if relevant.
  7. Plan for how to turn off utilities if needed during flood risk or evacuation.
  8. Prepare for staying home safely if evacuation is not required—identify supplies and secure your home against wind and water damage.

Discuss Specific Family Questions

  • Where will each family member go if separated?
  • How will the family communicate if phone lines are down?
  • Who will be responsible for evacuation decisions and pet care?
  • What medical needs or special assistance does any family member require?
  • What are your plans for important documents and valuables?
  • What items are essential in your emergency supply kit?
  • How will you assist elderly, disabled, or very young members?
  • Are all family members aware of the evacuation routes and shelter locations?

Tailor the Plan to Individual Needs

  • Account for pets’ needs and identify pet-friendly shelters or care options.
  • Include special medical supplies, equipment, or medications.
  • Consider climate-appropriate clothing and gear for each family member (e.g., rain gear, protective footwear).
  • Make accommodations for individuals with mobility issues or other disabilities.
  • Prepare for utility outages with backup power or communication devices (e.g., solar generators).
  • Keep physical copies of important documents like IDs, insurance papers, and medical records in a waterproof container.

Practice the Plan

  • Conduct family drills to practice evacuation routes and communication methods.
  • Review and update the emergency contact list regularly.
  • Test emergency supplies like radios, flashlights, and backup batteries.
  • Simulate scenarios such as power outages or sudden evacuation.
  • Ensure all family members know how and when to shut off utilities.

By following these steps and revisiting your plan annually or before hurricane season, you can improve your family's readiness, reduce fear, and speed response during an actual hurricane event.

According to Ready.gov, creating an emergency plan involves discussing key questions with your family. The plan includes an extensive checklist and provides space to fill in important information such as local and out-of-town contacts, insurance policy details, school information, and more.

It's recommended to make a hurricane preparation plan before a storm occurs. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), a perfect time to review and update your emergency plan. This year's theme for NPM is "Prepared, Not Scared. Be Ready for Disasters."

Business owners or those who work from home should also tailor their emergency plan to their work needs. It is crucial to consider a household's specific needs when creating an emergency plan, including living arrangements, presence of small children, pets, or service animals, and any medical needs or durable medical equipment.

A Family Emergency Communication Plan can be filled out and printed to help map out an individual's emergency plan. Establishing a communication plan, a family meeting place, and a plan for reconnection if separated is important. More information can be found on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.

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