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Who would have thought that we would be talking about having 2 hurricanes potentially hit Houston this week? 2020 sure is a crazy year, and I know that you can never be too prepared. It seems like 3 years ago at this exact time frame we had Hurricane Harvey which truly made a lasting impression here on Houston. When we all clinked our champagne glasses together on NYE, no one would have thought that in 3 short months that the world would be completely different, and there would be a global pandemic. It has been a lot during this year, but as I have said you have to still keep the faith. I am always a part of a key role during weather related events that happen in Houston because I work at a utility, and we are already preparing for this week. I personally have always kept several different “emergency” kits at my place and have food and a plan in place for the unexpected. In times like these with a potential hurricane and a pandemic, it is important to prepare for a hurricane. Below are my tips on how to prepare for a hurricane that I typically do.

Tips for How to Prepare for a Hurricane

• Physically Write Down Important Contact Numbers: Most people know their parents phone numbers by heart and that is about it. We never have to worry about numbers because our cell phone has everything. If your battery is low or you lose electricity or lose your phone, you will want to be able to call key people. I like to have a physical copy in my purse as well as in my junk drawer for times like these. It is important in unpredictable times.
• Have at Least a Gallon of Water/Day Available for 3 Days: Having water is so important during these times. If you don’t have any extra water bottles or gallons, you need to stock up. You will want to have at least a gallon of water per person in your household for at least 3 days. There are limitations when you purchase some of these key items, so it is important to gradually stock up.
• Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food: Items that don’t require the freezer or refrigeration are key. Staple items like rice, soups, beans and other staple items that are easy to make and have a lot of protein work well during a disaster like this. These are cheap, have a long shelf-life, and will help during these times.
• Make Sure You Have an Extra Battery Pack for Your Cell: It is always good to have an extra battery pack for your cell phone. Keeping it continuously charged at all times will help you for hurricane preparedness and any other disaster you might be in. If you have more than 1 battery pack then that helps as well.
• Have a Map, Whistle, Radio, Batteries, Flashlight (Emergency Kit): You won’t be able to rely on the tv for updates and your phone for road closures if the electricity is all out. Making sure you have a map and radio for updates are great essentials to have. Also having a whistle for emergencies as well as batteries on hand are key. Stocking up on batteries when they go on sale throughout the year is such a great thing to do. Candles are great because they smell good, but flashlights go so much longer.
• Don’t Be On Your Cell Phone As Much As Normal: This goes without saying, but don’t be on your phone too much during a hurricane. It is hard to not post on social media and update your status, but this should be more used for emergencies and to send your loved ones a message. Try to get in the habit of this during hurricane season anyway which should help.
• Bring Your Outdoor Belongings Inside: If you have outdoor patio furniture like I do with plant pots and breakable objects, you will want to bring those belongings inside. In high winds that might come up these could fly around and cause a window breaking with glass that could go everywhere. It is good to bring these inside ahead of time. Typically right around hurricane season is right after we all want to go ahead and put all of the Fall decor out anyway!
• Talk with Your Family/Friends About a Communication and Evacuation Plan: Having a communication plan in place with numbers and where you will need to evacuate if you have to, and communicating it with your family and friends is key. You will want to review this periodically on a routine basis prior to hurricane season, and if anything changes.
• Keep Your Cars Safe Away and Don’t Get Out: Don’t have your car parked in the street in order to reduce high waters and potential flooding if you can. Parking in the garage is the best bet during hurricane times. This also gives you a good excuse to clean out your garage. Whatever you do, don’t attempt to drive in high waters. You really shouldn’t be getting out anyway when it is raining a lot and with bad weather. This shouldn’t be that big of an issue since we are used to staying at home anyway.
• Take an Inventory of Your Personal Property: It is important to have documented all of your personal belongings inside your house. This helps streamline the insurance claims if anything bad should happen. It also is a good time to add detail, and the cost for these items as well. You should base this on your insurance total amount for your inventory as well. I also have pictures of some of my furniture and electronics included as well. Keeping this all in a Google document that you can access it anywhere is key.
• Stay Calm: A lot of us dealt with Hurricane Harvey and were scarred by that damage. It is important to remain calm and know that there is nothing really that we can do during disasters like this. All you can do is be proactive instead of reactive, and know that everything will turn out ok.

Between all of the wildfires in California that are happening and the bad weather that is coming here in the Texas and Louisiana area, being prepared for these natural disasters is key. Please let me know your own tips for how to prepare for a hurricane, and stay safe everyone!