Posts Tagged ‘Weather Preparation’
5 Things You Must Do Before Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season, which lasts from July to November, is a big part of your life if you currently live in the southern part of the United States and it’s really important that you be prepared for it. You normally get some warning of when a storm is approaching, but there are 5 things that you should do before the season gets started so that you avoid inconvenience or shortages.
Most people commonly think about food and water needs when getting ready for hurricane season, but rarely remember to do damage control for items like computers that store critical and important personal information, financial records, family photos and other priceless information. All of this data could be lost, unless you currently use Carbonite.
5 items you must take care of before the arrival of hurricane season, to not only make sure you survive, but also keep your data stored away properly for insurance purposes, or even a FEMA loan are as follows:
1. The potential loss of financial data, emails, and pictures that you’ve saved on your computer is a risk in any hurricane or storm. This is the primary reason why you should back up your files and all of your date with Carbonite. Carbonite.com will mitigate the risk of you loosing information or files by backing up your data with their online system. It only costs about $54 a year to maintain and is completely secure and encrypted. This is absolutely a great way to ensure that you don’t lose information during a storm.
2. Stocking your pantry with bottled water is one of the most important thing you must remember during hurricane season. If there is a storm, it is possible that all public water connections will be cut off for fear of contamination and you will be left with nothing to drink or wash with. It is also important to get your water as soon as possible, like now, because in the time right before a storm, the stores will be filled with people trying to get last minute supplies and you may not be able to get as many supplies, like water, as you need. So prepare now.
3. Buy plenty of batteries. Batteries are another one of those must haves during hurricane season because they are necessary for powering flashlights, which you will need at night if there is no power, and radios, which you will need to keep yourself informed during and after the storm until power services have been restored. Again, don’t wait until the last minute to gather these items because once a storm warning has been issued, people will be running to the store and supplies will be depleted.
4. Stocking your cupboards with canned goods is something most people up North do to prepare for snow related weather, but is also something that those of us affected by hurricanes must do as well. Keeping a good supply of canned goods with a long shelf life will again help you to survive those days that you may have to go without power. You will be unable to eat anything your refridgerator after 2 days, so it is important to have other non-perishables readily available.
5. Buy a battery operated radio and flashlight. We already mentioned the batteries that you needed for these items, but you must have the actual items for any of this advice to be of any value. Most grocery stores or hardware stores keep these in stock, especially during the hurricane season.
It is extremely important that not only you survive hurricane season, but it is also very important that your personal data and information survive as will. Follow the 5 steps listed, and you are sure to be prepared for hurricane season.