Peak of Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean is expected to hit its peak on September 10. The storms formed during this time have the potential to cause significant damage, especially in states where they make landfall. The most likely areas to be affected include Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and North and South Carolina.
Preparing for Hurricane Season: Essential Items
If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane—or even in the surrounding areas—don’t become complacent. Just because maps and charts might show you outside the worst of it, it’s crucial to prepare your tech and other essentials for whatever Mother Nature has in store.
Start with the Kit
It’s important to think about your emergency kit well before a storm is approaching. We’ll break down essentials and nice-to-have items for both home and car kits, recommending products that have been tested and proven reliable. This is not the time to find out that something isn’t working!
Home Kit
Essentials:
- Power bank (and cables)
- LED flashlight
- Waterproof bags for devices and belongings
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare batteries (with a long shelf life)
- Warm hats and gloves
- Emergency food (don’t forget your pets!)
Nice-to-Have:
- Power station
- Gas generator (handle with care and understand risks)
- Emergency radio
- Multitool
- USB heated blanket (safe, portable warmth)
- Entertainment without power (board games)
Car Kit
Essentials:
- Jump starter with power bank functionality (and cables)
- LED road flare and flashlight
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency mylar blankets
- Warm hats and gloves
- Snacks
Nice-to-Have:
- Multitool (consider a cheaper one for the car)
- Tire inflator
- Camp meals
- SOS satellite beacon
- Spare warm clothes
- Entertainment for kids (books or toys)
Charging Devices in Advance
Charge all your gadgets as soon as possible, especially if you live in an area prone to power outages. This includes portable battery packs and rechargeable batteries. Keep devices charging for as long as you can before the storm hits. Consider using a UPS or power station if the power starts to brown out to avoid damage. If you have a gas-powered generator, familiarize yourself with its operation in advance, ensuring it’s not running on stale gas.
Monitoring the Weather
Stay informed by keeping an eye on the weather through reliable sources. Some useful websites and apps include:
- Weather.gov
- Weather Underground
- LiveWXRadar
- Carrot Weather (iOS and Android)
- Weather Underground: Forecasts (Android)
Keep a Radio Handy
Even if the internet and phone lines go down, a radio will likely still work, making it a reliable way to stay informed during an emergency. Make sure the batteries are fresh and that you know how to use the radio. Look up local radio stations and note them down for easy reference.
Weatherproof Your Devices
Now is the time to use those big, cumbersome weatherproof cases for your devices. If you don’t have a custom case, a Ziploc bag will work in a pinch. For bigger items like clothes, use roll-top dry bags for added protection.
Back Up Your Data
Prepare for potential data loss by backing up your files. Off-site or cloud backups are preferable. If using an external hard drive or USB, store it in a waterproof bag. Consider investing in a waterproof and fireproof storage drive for extra safety.
Learn How to Use Your Emergency Kit
Familiarize yourself with any equipment you haven’t used before. This is not the time to learn how to operate a portable battery pack, generator, or new weather app. Practice using your gear now to avoid chaos during an actual emergency. Remember, practice and drills are key to effective preparedness.
