Hurricane Preparedness: Practical Tips

It appears that life as we know it continues to be full of surprises. This weekend Southern Californians will be bracing for a possible hurricane or tropical storm on Sunday, August 20th. Many remember the affects of Hurricane Norman in 1978. When it reached Southern California it weakened to a tropical depression nonetheless, still devastating.

As a California native (born, and raised), my family and I are bicoastal spending time in Southern California and the New Orleans area. I experienced my first hurricane in August of 2021 (Category 4). It was an extremely stressful time to say the least. We were without power for 8 days and were fortunate to only sustain damage to a few roof tiles.

It is my hope that each of you living in the areas where the hurricane or tropical storm is likely to make landfall, that you prepare as best as possible. Having a plan can help reduce some of the fear and anxiety of what to do.

Knowledge is power! Here’s are a few practical tips:

1. Get Organized: Assemble an emergency kit to include bottled water for several days, nonperishable food, manual can opener, first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, whistle (just in case you need to signal for help), cellphone with car chargers, plastic trash bags. Gather important documents: identification, medications, insurances: medical, home/renters/flood and place them in a waterproof container.
2. Create a Communication Plan: Stay connected with family, friends, and neighbors. Consider dedicating an out-of-town contact that everyone can check-in with. Compile a list of emergency contacts. Register to receive emergency notifications:?Ready LA County
3. Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and updates from reliable sources. Familiarize yourself with hurricane categories and terminology by viewing the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale
4. Strong Winds: Secure outdoor objects, plants, tables, chairs.
5. Safe Places in Your Home: Choose an interior room away from windows,such as a closet or bathroom to shelter in place for extreme weather conditions.
6. Fuel and Transportation: Keep a full gas tank in case you must evacuate. Plan how you will transport family members.
7. Pet Plan: Your pets are family members. Decide how you will transport them and where they will stay.?Remember to Include pet food.
8. Know Your Risk: Understand if you live in an evacuation zone, potential flood area, or storm surge zone.
9. After the Storm: Establish a plan for re-entering your home and assessing potential damage. Be cautious of fallen power lines, flooded areas, and debris.

I hope these practical tips give you some sense of how to prepare for the storm. It is likely to make landfall on Sunday, August 20th in Mexico’s Baja California, hopefully weakening to a tropical storm before crossing into Southern California.

Keep in mind the path and the severity of storms can change. I’m praying for the best outcome for everyone.