What’s it like to wait for a hurricane? In my opinion, it’s like being a sitting duck. Now, you would think that, after spending half my life in Florida it would get easier. To be sure, in certain ways it is. That’s because Floridians take hurricanes seriously. This is what to do when you’re waiting for a hurricane.

You’ll have maybe five days to get ready.  So, please don’t put off preparations.

With this in mind, here’s a checklist of the essentials you’ll need in order to be safe:

Water

Yes, to drink.  But also for some other basic necessities, i.e., to wash up, toilet.

Ice

You’ll need to cool off when the power goes out.

Canned Food

Unless you have a generator or a grill outside, no cooking for you.

Flashlights and/or Battery-operated Hurricane Lamps

For obvious reasons, candles are frowned upon.

Batteries

Go ahead, try to find some D batteries at the last minute.  Ha!

Prescriptions & First Aid Kit

You might not be able to leave the area even when it’s all over.  Be safe. There will be downed wires and trees don’t ya know.

Pet Supplies

Gotta take care of your best friend.

Gas

Be sure to gas up your vehicles ahead of time. Supplies will be low because trucks can’t get in to refuel the pumps.

Cash

Have some cash on hand because no electricity means no ATM or cash back at the supermarket.

Board Up Your Windows

Get your shutters up early.  Try going to Home Depot for wood when a hurricane’s approaching – fuggedaboutit!

Store Outside Stuff Away

Tables, chairs, bikes, garbage cans, and plants are flying projectiles for the target painted on your windows.

Charge Phones & Laptops

It’s important to realize that you’ll be very lonely with no electricity, no phone, no computer.  For this reason, score a portable cell phone charger and use your laptop to power it if need be.

Fill the Bathtub with water

You know, the toiletries.

Find a Safe Room

Look for a place to ride out the storm, such as a closet or a room with no windows.

Weather Radio or Smartphone Weather Alerts

You’ll want to know what’s going on outside while you’re hunkered down in the closet.

Here’s a link to the National Hurricane Center so you can monitor the storm.

Additionally…

• Make a plan with friends and family to check in on social media in case you can’t be reached by phone.
• In the event of a mandatory evacuation, know where to go and how to get there.
• If you’re going to a shelter, be aware that many will not accept animals.  For this reason, you’ll need to find a place for your pets.  ABOVE ALL, DO NOT LEAVE THEM BEHIND!  Yes, I’m hollering.
• Check on the old folks.  To be sure, this can be really scary for them, too.
• While you’re riding out the storm, this is a good time to ponder this Dance Safari post, “12 Easy Ways to Stay Cheerful When Surrounded by the Cheerless“.

When you’re finished waiting for a hurricane and it’s finally gone:

Be super careful if you leave the house.

• There will be downed live wires.
• Roads will be filled with debris.
• Some paths and roads will be cut off by trees knocked down by the storm.
• Flooding and storm surge may have damaged your property.

Lastly, as you’re waiting for the hurricane, be thankful that you get a heads-up.  Some acts of nature aren’t so kind.

Don’t forget to check in with your family and friends to let them know you’re alright. We’ll get through this together.