May 4-10 is National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re fully ready for whatever the season brings. From June 1 through November 30, the risk of severe weather events on the Atlantic coast is heightened, but why wait until the storm has already arrived? As storms become more unpredictable due to climate change, it’s more important than ever to take action… now.
Long Island is no stranger to hurricanes. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a tropical storm can escalate into a devastating hurricane. With record-breaking storms and unpredictable weather patterns becoming more common, now is the time to prepare not just for the storm, but for the potential power outages, flooding, and disruptions to everyday life that follow.
Here are the critical steps you can take right now to protect your home, business, and loved ones from the next big storm.
1. Develop an Evacuation Plan
A solid evacuation plan could be the difference between safety and disaster, especially if you live or work in a flood-prone area or close to the coastline. Know the safest routes out of your area and where to go if you need to leave your home quickly. Don’t forget to include your pets in this plan.
The current government’s guidelines stress the importance of knowing where the evacuation shelters in your area are located. If possible, make preventative plans with friends or family who live outside the storm’s potential path. Keeping a paper list of emergency contacts handy is critical, as communication networks can fail during severe weather. It’s also important to have access to transportation that can evacuate you in a hurry, since public transportation and roads can likely become difficult, if not impossible, to travel on.
2. Build an Emergency Supply Kit
When the power goes out during a storm, the best thing you can do is be self-sufficient. FEMA recommends assembling a disaster kit for both your home and business. At the very least, you should have:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable foods (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit, etc.)
- Batteries: Stock up on extra batteries for flashlights, radios, and other devices
- Chargers: Have alternative charging methods for your phones, like portable power banks
- First-aid kit: Basic supplies for medical emergencies
- Cash: ATMs and credit card processors often fail during power outages
- Prescription medications: About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult to refill a prescription or even find an open pharmacy.
Additional emergency supplies for consideration:
- Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
3. Get an Insurance Check-Up and Document Your Property
In the chaos of a storm, the last thing you want is to find out your insurance doesn’t cover flooding or storm damage. Now is the time to review your policy and make sure your home and business are covered for a worst-case scenario. Take inventory of your property, photograph or video-record the condition of your home and its contents, and store this information somewhere safe, like cloud storage or an off-site physical location.
Flooding is a major risk with hurricanes, and standard homeowner’s insurance doesn’t typically cover it. Consider purchasing separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you’re in a particularly high-risk zone.
4. Strengthen Your Home to Withstand the Storm
The physical integrity of your home will determine how well it survives a hurricane. There’s a number of steps you can take to protect your investments. Simple home improvements, like trimming trees and securing loose outdoor objects, can reduce the risk of damage during high winds. Note that you shouldn’t cut or remove trees that are or could become entangled in power lines. Call a professional tree removal crew to take care of it. Install storm shutters or plywood over windows to prevent breakage from flying debris. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home’s exterior to reduce the risk of water entering during heavy rain.
5. Create a Communication Plan
Power outages can knock out the internet and cell towers, making communication difficult, so having a written list of key contacts (family, friends, neighbors, and emergency services) is crucial. Make sure everyone in your household is familiar with your plan and has access to important contact details. Ready.gov, a national public service campaign developed to educate and empower Americans to prepare for emergencies, offers a helpful Family Emergency Communication Plan form. Fill it out, save a copy, and email it as a PDF to all household members to make sure you stay connected when disaster strikes. For businesses, it’s critical to have a communication plan in place for employees, clients, and customers. Consider setting up a group messaging system to relay updates quickly and efficiently during an emergency.
6. Invest in a Backup Power Generator
One of the most effective ways to ensure your home or business stays operational during power outages is by investing in a backup power generator. Power failures are almost guaranteed during hurricanes, and these outages can last for days or even weeks. At Commander Power Systems, we understand the urgency of keeping critical systems up and running. A generator can be a literal lifesaver during a hurricane. Not only will it power your lights and appliances, but it can also ensure that essential devices like oxygen machines, ventilators, and other medical equipment continue to function during a blackout.
FEMA emphasizes that a generator is an essential item in any preparedness kit. We recommend you start prepping your generator now to ensure it’s in optimal condition for storm season. For more tips on generator preparation, be sure to check out our previous blog post here.
Hurricane season is real, and waiting until the last minute to prepare is a dangerous gamble. The time to act is NOW. Whether you’re preparing your emergency supply kit or investing in a backup generator, every step you take now increases your chances of weathering the storm.
STAY INFORMED: Download the FEMA app and explore the following trusted resources to stay updated on the latest hurricane information, safety tips, and emergency alerts:
Don’t wait until the storm is at your doorstep. Contact Commander Power Systems today and make sure you’re fully prepared for hurricane season.
