Stay Ahead of Mother Nature This Hurricane Season

Hurricane season, spanning from June 1 to November 30, brings the potential for severe storms that can disrupt lives and damage property. Understanding how to prepare for a hurricane is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of your family.

While coastal communities often face the greatest risk during hurricane season, it's important to recognize that hurricanes can also severely impact inland areas. Heavy rainfall, high winds, and tornadoes resulting from hurricanes have caused significant damage in states like Illinois, Tennessee, and Ohio. Regardless of your location, preparation is key to staying safe during these powerful storms. This list provides essential steps to help you stay ahead of Mother Nature.

1. Understand Hurricane Alerts

Familiarize yourself with the terminology used by weather authorities:

• Hurricane Watch: This means that hurricane conditions—sustained winds of 74 mph or higher—are possible in your area within the next 48 hours. While a watch does not guarantee that a hurricane will occur, it is a signal to begin preparing your home, reviewing your emergency plan, and staying closely tuned to weather updates.

• Hurricane Warning: This means that hurricane conditions are expected in your area within the next 36 hours. At this point, preparations should be finalized, evacuation orders (if issued) should be followed immediately, and you should seek shelter in a secure location. A warning indicates that dangerous weather is imminent and action must be taken to protect life and property.

2. Create an Emergency Plan

Develop a comprehensive plan that includes:

• Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple paths in case of road closures. Read our Hurricane Evacuation Plan for more info.

• Communication Plan: Establish a meeting point for family members and emergency contacts. Fill out FEMA’s Family Emergency Plan to make it easy.

• Special Needs: Plan for pets, elderly family members, and those with medical conditions.

Regularly practice your emergency plan to ensure everyone knows what to do during a hurricane.

3. Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit

Prepare a kit with essentials to sustain your family for at least three days:

• Water: One gallon per person per day. Don’t forget about pets.

• Non-perishable Food: Ready-to-eat items that require minimal preparation.

• Flashlights and Batteries: For visibility during power outages.

• Battery-powered Radio: Stay informed about weather updates.

• First-aid Kit: Include necessary medications and medical supplies.

• Cash: ATMs may not be operational during outages.

• Important Documents: Store copies in a waterproof container.

Keep your kit in an easily accessible location and check it regularly to replace expired items. Use our Disaster Supply Checklist to help you prepare.

4. Prepare Your Home

Protect your property by taking proactive measures:

• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in furniture, grills, and other objects that could become projectiles.

• Reinforce Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead branches that could damage your home.

• Check Roof and Gutters: Ensure they are in good condition to handle heavy rain.

These steps can minimize damage and help keep your home intact during a storm.

5. Power Up

Ensure you're ready for possible power outages before the hurricane hits:

• Fill Your Gas Tank: Fuel up your vehicle in case of evacuation or fuel shortages.

• Charge Your Devices: Fully charge cell phones, portable batteries, and backup chargers.

• Stock Up on Fuel: Have an adequate supply of gasoline or propane on hand for portable generators and vehicles. (A five-day outage can require 70 gallons of gasoline to fuel a 5K portable generator.)

Taking these steps ahead of time ensures you remain connected, mobile, and equipped during and after the storm.

6. Install a Standby Generator

Power outages are common during hurricanes, but a standby generator can automatically keep your home running smoothly with no effort from the homeowner.

Benefits of a Standby Generator:

• Automatic Operation: Restores power within seconds of an outage.

• Reliable Performance: Powers essential appliances like lights, heating/cooling systems, and sump pumps.

• Peace of Mind: Ensures comfort and safety for your family during emergencies.

Unlike portable generators, standby generators are permanently installed and run on natural gas or liquid propane, eliminating the need for refueling.

7. Stay Informed

Monitor local news and weather updates to stay aware of any changes in storm conditions. Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government and the National Weather Service to receive timely information.

By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your home, preserve your peace of mind, and ensure your loved ones stay safe and comfortable throughout hurricane season. Every measure you take now—from preparing emergency kits to ensuring a reliable power source—strengthens your resilience against the unexpected challenges a storm may bring.

For reliable backup power, consider installing a KOHLER standby generator. Request a free quote today to find the right model for your home.

For more storm preparation tips, visit our Storm Preparation Guide.