Hurricane Readiness: Essential Tips to Stay Safe
When a hurricane is approaching, preparation is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. Here are some crucial steps to take before and during the storm and the best sources for up-to-date information on the storm’s path and intensity.
Best Sources for Storm Information
For the most recent and reliable updates on the hurricane’s probable path and intensity, always refer to the National Hurricane Center (noaa.gov). They provide detailed forecasts, warnings, and real-time updates.
- Water and Food PreparationFill clean tubs and sinks?with drinkable water from the faucets.Fill Ziploc baggies with water?and freeze them. Use these frozen baggies to keep your cooler cold and refill your freezer.Stock up on nutritious snacks?like nuts. Avoid sugary foods that can increase thirst.
- Personal and Home SafetyHave plenty of push hand soap?on hand. Fire ants can be a nuisance during cleanup; applying soap to bites immediately can prevent itching.Charge your phone?and, if possible, get a backup battery charger. Keep your phone in low power mode to conserve battery.Unplug electronics?and store essential items as high as possible to avoid flood damage.Check your computer files?and ensure they are backed?to the cloud for easy access.
- Entertainment and CommunicationPrepare board games, paperbacks, and playing cards?to pass the time if the power goes out.Have a baggy with dry rice?ready in case your phone gets wet. Dry the surface and place it in the rice to absorb moisture.Set up a call tree?to check in on everyone. Using Teams with Audio Conferencing, you can leave a meeting open for communication throughout the storm.
- Safety MeasuresStore loose items?from your yard in a shed or indoors to prevent them from becoming projectiles.Close all windows?completely. Leaving them open a crack is a myth and can cause more damage.Download the NOAA and FEMA apps?for real-time alerts and to file claims quickly if damage occurs.
- Stay Indoors: The wind is dangerous, but flying debris propelled by the wind is even more hazardous.
- Be Aware of Sudden Changes: Sudden wind and water surges can occur without warning.
- Avoid Flood Waters: They can contain contaminants and pose serious health risks.
As an IT consulting company serving small and mid-market businesses, we understand the importance of staying connected, especially during emergencies. Our phone systems are hosted?in the cloud, and our team is distributed, ensuring we remain available to assist you.
If you need any support, please don’t hesitate to:
By following these steps and staying informed through reliable sources, you can better protect yourself and your business during a hurricane. Stay safe and prepared!
