After going through monstrous hurricanes like Gilberto and Wilma, it’s only natural to feel afraid when the civil protection system announces: “We’re on red alert!” and warns that impact is imminent. We all know that the hours following the landfall of a major storm are filled with tension and uncertainty.
That said, there are definitely ways to stay safe—and even turn “the storm of the century” into an opportunity to take a break and enjoy some quality time with your family.
In the next few paragraphs, we’ll go over expert tips to help protect your home during these intense weather events, so you can feel safe and calm throughout the experience.
How Can I Protect My Family from Hurricanes?
1. Stay Calm
This one’s old advice, but it still works. Before rushing out to make panic purchases and stock your home with things you may not even need, take a moment to assess the situation rationally. Keeping a cool head will help you see things more clearly—and that clarity will lead to better decisions. So, no stressing out ahead of time!
2. Build a Survival Kit
Keep in mind that the effects of these storms can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. During that time, you might experience power outages, water shortages, or lack of access to basic supplies. To avoid running into trouble, it’s smart to have an emergency kit ready. Think about how many people will be riding out the storm with you, and based on that, gather enough essentials. Avoid buying food that needs refrigeration, as you’ll likely be without power. Besides food, it’s also a good idea to fill a few containers with water—even if it’s just to stay clean while services are being restored.
3. Avoid Panic Buying at All Costs
Panic buying doesn’t just hurt your wallet—it also negatively affects your community. Imagine this: after a hurricane, you might need to rely on your savings for several days. If you spent too much on things you didn’t really need, you may not have enough left for what truly matters. Plus, excessive buying often leads to shortages in cities, making it harder for others to get basic supplies in times of crisis.
4. Always Have Hurricane Protection Installed
This may be the most important tip of all. Without proper hurricane protection, it’s hard to truly feel safe. On the other hand, if your home is equipped with storm screens, shutters, or protective mesh, you won’t have much to worry about. These systems are built to withstand flying debris and powerful winds. Once that’s in place, you can actually start thinking about less stressful things—like having board games and emergency lights ready to enjoy some downtime with your family.
Now that you know the four essential steps for staying safe during a hurricane, you might be considering investing in a set of hurricane screens. If so, we’d be happy to set up a call to answer any questions and help you choose the best hurricane protection for your home or business.
Just fill out our contact form and one of our specialists will get in touch with you. Feel free to ask us anything—your safety is always our top priority.