Hurricane Beryl was the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. It has now strengthened to a Category 5 storm and sets the tone for a dangerous hurricane season. Beryl swept through St. Vincent, the Grenadines, and Grenada, leaving many homeowners without power. As of July 3, 2024, Hurricane Beryl is moving toward Jamaica and is expected to land on the country's southern coast.
A hurricane warning is currently in effect for Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. While the hurricane is expected to weaken as it moves, Beryl is forecast to pass Jamaica with full force before it reaches the Cayman Islands on July 4, 2024. Therefore, it's important to prepare for hurricane season and keep essential supplies ready. Read the detailed guide to learn how to prepare for a hurricane in a house, RV, or car by following the guidelines given by the Red Cross, NOAA, Ready.gov, and FEMA.
How to Prepare Your Home For a Hurricane
Hurricanes are massive storms that often combine threats, such as high winds, heavy rainfall, rip currents, tornadoes, coastal and inland flooding, and storm surges. They can injure or kill people, pollute drinking water, and disrupt transportation. We have sourced information from the Red Cross, NOAA, Ready.gov, and FEMA to help prepare your home for hurricanes.
Before: Prepare & Stay Informed
The Atlantic and Central Pacific hurricane season officially starts from June 1 to November 30. Similarly, the eastern Pacific hurricane season runs from May 15 to November 30. If you haven't yet prepared for the hurricane season, it's time to do so.
Instead of rushing for potentially life-saving preparations at the last moment, stocking up on disaster supplies and preparing an evacuation plan is essential. Here are some of the best tips to prepare and stay informed before the hurricane hits the area:
Develop an Evacuation Plan
If you live in an area at higher risk of hurricanes, you'll need to prepare an evacuation plan. You can find a safe destination near your friend's or relative's location that's well-built and outside the flood-prone area. When planning for evacuation, find several routes to reach the safe location. If you don't have a safe place to go, you can find an open shelter with the help of the Red Cross.
Here are some other resources to contact the local officials and find transportation options:
Find Your Evacuation Zone | HurricaneStrong
Gather Disaster Supplies
Whether you're planning to stay at home or evacuate to a safe location, you'll need supplies to deal with the hurricane season. According to NOAA, you must gather non-perishable food, water, and medicine for at least 3 days. You will also need to keep a flashlight, extra cash, and a battery-powered radio handy. Since electricity could be out for weeks during a hurricane, you may also need a portable Jackery Solar Generator to charge essential gadgets. Here are some resources to build a disaster supply kit for a hurricane:
How to Build a Disaster Supply Kit - FLASH - Strengthening Homes & Safeguarding Families
Create a Communication Plan
Hurricanes can hit the area anytime, and connecting with family and friends can be hard. For this reason, it is advised to write down the hurricane plan and share everything with the family members. For instance, note down the places where everyone will meet, including the ones that are out of town. In addition, create a list of emergency contacts and include utilities. You can check out specific resources to develop a communication plan for your family or even find a shelter:
How to Make a Family Disaster Plan - FLASH
During: Survival
If the authorities ask you to evacuate, make sure to grab the emergency kit and leave immediately. If you're in an area where the hurricane might not hit anytime soon, you can decide whether to stay home or move to higher ground nearby.
Those planning to stay at home should remember that even if the area is protected from floodwaters, the area may lose access to power and water. So, you need to gather essential supplies and keep up-to-date with the latest forecasts and alerts.
Stay Updated With Weather Alerts
Authorities share constant weather alerts and forecast updates with residents during hurricanes. Remember, a tropical storm can quickly turn into a major hurricane. So, make sure you have Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) enabled on your smartphone to receive warnings and other alerts. A portable power supply like a Jackery Portable Power Station is handy for charging essential gear such as smartphones, TVs, etc.
Avoid Traveling
Do not travel unless you're asked to evacuate the area. You need to stay away from the regions with floodwaters. If asked to evacuate, follow the evacuation routes and avoid taking any shortcuts. Follow the "Turn Around Don't Drown" policy that indicates never walk or drive through waters or on floodwater roads.
Stay Safe From Affected Places
You should always maintain a safe distance from damaged and flooded areas. If you are at risk of flooding or storm surge, get to higher ground levels and maintain a safe distance from flood-prone areas. If your house becomes flooded, move to a higher level to escape the flood waters. When the situation gets worse, get on the home's roof and call 911.
According to NOAA, wind can also be destructive and deadly during hurricanes. If the winds are more robust in the area, put as many walls as possible between you and outside. Alternatively, you can move to an interior room without windows and cover yourself with a mattress. If the authorities have issued extreme wind warnings in the area, take shelter immediately until the threat is gone.
After: Be Safe
Dangers can remain even if the skies are blue, which means it's not the time to put the guard down. Here are some ways to deal with the after-effects of hurricanes:
Return Only When Safe
If you've evacuated, avoid returning home until local officials have declared the area safe. If the residential area has been damaged by hurricanes or floods, it should be carefully inspected before you move in.
Clean Up Safely
Wear appropriate protective gear to clean and disinfect everything that gets wet. If cleaning heavy debris, do it with a partner and take proper training before using essential equipment like chainsaws. Make sure you do not overwork after the hurricane, as it often leads to a heart attack.
Stay Healthy
If any food has come in contact with the floodwater, make sure to throw it out or warm it before eating. If you've refrigerated medicines, you can also contact the healthcare provider for guidance. Water can also get contaminated, so make sure to avoid drinking tap water until the authorities declare it safe.
Take Care of Yourself
Once the hurricane has passed, eat healthy food and get proper sleep to deal with stress. If you need someone to talk to, contact the Disaster Distress Helpful for free at 1-800-985-5990 or simply text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
Additional Tips to Prepare Your Home For A Hurricane
Hurricane winds can often break windows and doors. The property that comes in contact with hurricanes can be damaged after the windstorm when rain enters broken windows, roof openings, and doors. Preparing your house for hurricanes is one of the best ways to reduce the consequences of high winds and floodwaters. Here's how to prepare your house for a hurricane with the FEMA tips:
Trim Trees: If any weak branches around the house might fall during the hurricane season, make sure to cut or trim weak trees.
Cover Windows: You need to install storm shutters to protect home windows from breakage. You can also fit plywood panels to windows nailed to wooden frames to keep them protected during storms.
Secure Doors: Make sure the doors are hurricane-proof, with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock, which is at least one inch long. If you have sliding glass doors, make sure they are made of tempered glass and covered with shutters or plywood.
Secure Loose Items: If there are any kind of loose items outside the house, make sure to secure them so they do not fall during heavy winds.
Seal Wall Openings: Locate the wall openings, such as garden hose bibs, vents, outdoor electrical outlets, and where pipes or cables go through the wall. Then, use urethane-based chalk to seal the openings and prevent water penetration.
How to Prepare Your RV For A Hurricane
If you live in states like Florida or Texas, you need to carefully plan and prepare for a hurricane as an RV. Proper planning is crucial to maintain the overall safety and improve the structural integrity of the RV. Generally, there are three stages of a hurricane preparation plan that you should have in place when traveling to an RV destination: before traveling, preparing the inside of the RV, and evacuating with the RV. Here's how to prepare an RV for a hurricane:
Before You Travel
If you are planning to travel to a safe location, it is essential to have an emergency kit ready and be prepared if the unexpected happens. You must start by creating a hurricane evacuation plan and carrying a reliable power source to charge essential RV appliances. The Jackery Solar Generators are portable and can charge 99% of RV appliances, so you remain comfortable outdoors. Additionally, make sure your RV's gas tank is full if you plan to evacuate.
Prepare the Inside of the RV
Next, you'll need to look at what items you have in the RV and keep the most essentials safe if the storm hits. For example, you must shut windows and doors to prevent water and wind from getting inside the RV. Also, make an emergency kit with essential items, such as a portable power supply, non-perishable foods, water, necessary equipment, etc. You will also need to keep duct tape, garbage bags, tools, and phone chargers in your RV.
Evacuate With the RV
If the authorities order an evacuation, follow the instructions given by the state and avoid driving through water. Plan a safe evacuation route and make reservations for campgrounds. Remember, figuring out how many days you plan to stay can be difficult. So, make sure to pack and stock your RV with necessities for several days.
If you can't take your RV during an evacuation, try to find a safe place to park it.
How to Prepare Your Car For A Hurricane
Hurricanes often bring heavy rain and strong winds that can damage your house and your car. For this reason, specific steps should be taken to protect the vehicle from the approaching hurricane. Here's how to protect your car in a hurricane:
Assemble an Emergency Kit
During hurricanes, you may not find roadside assistance. That's where an emergency kit comes in handy. It should include essential items, such as a first aid kit, raincoat, jumper cables, extra gasoline, motor oil, non-perishable foods, extra clothes, a flashlight with batteries, a tool kit, drinking water, a phone, and a phone charger.
Park in a Safe Area
Water, wind, and debris can affect the surroundings and move the car to a safe place. You should seek areas that have weatherproof covers. For example, you can consider garages and elevated parking structures to provide shelter to the car. Additionally, avoid parking near trees, light poles, power lines, or other objects that might fall over the vehicle.
Fill Up the Tank
If there's an emergency, you might need to evacuate quickly. Gas stations may also become inoperable or crowded with long lines during such situations. Therefore, it's best to fill the tank in advance. If you drive an electric vehicle, charge the battery before the storm reaches you.
Be Informed
Up-to-date information is necessary to keep you and your vehicle safe during a hurricane or storm. Some websites where you can find real-time information about hurricanes include the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service, and the CDC's natural disasters and severe weather.
Hurricane Forecast Information
Hurricanes are often accompanied by other threats, such as powerful winds, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, heavy rainfall, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. Many resources and websites offer real-time updates about hurricanes, such as:
- NHC (National Hurricane Center)
- National Weather Service (NWS)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Weather Apps, such as AccuWeather and NOAA Weather Radar
- gov
- Emergency Alert Systems (EAS)and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
- American Red Cross
Jackery Solar Generators For Power Outages During Hurricanes
Hurricanes often accompany unexpected power outages and blackouts that can leave you in darkness for days. That said, it becomes essential to invest in portable solar-powered generators. Jackery is a renowned brand that manufactures high-quality solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels to charge appliances during power outages caused by hurricanes.
The Jackery Portable Power Stations can even be carried in a car or RV when evacuating to a safer location. They have sturdy handles and a portable design for easy movement from one place to another. You can quickly recharge the portable power stations with Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, a car charger, and a wall outlet. Whether you are charging at home or during evacuation, you can rest assured that you've got power with Jackery.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is a reliable solar-powered generator for essential household or outdoor appliances during power outages. Its ergonomic design and foldable handle ensure that you can store the solar generator in your RV or car and move it anywhere. The large battery capacity of the solar generator ensures that you can charge 99% of essential appliances, including CPAP machines, refrigerators, lights, and kitchen equipment.
|
Product |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
|
Capacity |
2042.8Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
|
Appliances |
Refrigerator (600W): 2.8H CPAP (40W): 43.4H Lights (10W): 173.6H Induction Cooktop (1100W): 1.5H Portable Freezer (60W): 28.9H Smartphone (50W): 34.7H |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is a portable power supply source that supports 99% of household or outdoor appliances. The large battery capacity can power heavy-duty appliances at home or can be packed in the RV to take during evacuation. The power station can also be connected to the home's electrical circuit to ensure essential appliances like refrigerators and CPAP machines start charging quickly when an unexpected power outage occurs.
|
Product |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) |
|
Capacity |
4085.6Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
|
Appliances |
Refrigerator (600W): 5.7H CPAP (40W): 86.8H Lights (10W): 347.2H Induction Cooktop (1100W): 3.1H Portable Freezer (60W): 57.8H Smartphone (50W): 69.4H |
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a charging solution that supports most indoor or outdoor appliances during long-term power outages. It has double wheels, a foldable handle, and an ergonomic design to charge appliances when sheltering in or evacuating to a safe place. It can charge refrigerators to keep food fresh and even air coolers to keep the space cool. You can also carry the solar generator to the RV to power 99% of RV appliances for long hours.
|
Product |
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
|
Capacity |
3024Wh |
|
Life Cycle |
2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
|
Battery Cell |
NMC |
|
Appliances |
Refrigerator (600W): 4.2H CPAP (40W): 64.2H Lights (10W): 257.0H Induction Cooktop (1100W): 2.3H Portable Freezer (60W): 42.8H Smartphone (50W): 51.4H |
Hurricane Preparedness FAQs
How to prepare for a hurricane in Florida?
When preparing for Florida hurricane season, you'll need to keep water, food, and power handy to navigate the disastrous situation. For example, you can consider stocking up on food and water and even investing in a Jackery Portable Power Station to charge essential appliances during hurricanes.
In an interview with Jackery, Thomas Roberts said, "People in Florida are notoriously bad about their hurricane preparation until the storm is three days out. You could always have two cases of water in your garage, buy a new case, and just move the inventory through and use it. The next thing you come to is power. With either Explorer 1500 or 2000 Pro and a couple of solar panels, they can get started."
How to prepare for a hurricane in California?
When preparing for a hurricane in California, you need to prepare an evacuation plan, secure the exterior, prepare for flooding, and keep an emergency 3-day kit handy with essential equipment.
How to prepare for a hurricane in Texas?
Hurricanes often threaten the Texas Gulf Coast yearly from mid-summer through fall. Some ways to prepare for a hurricane in Texas by the Texas General Land Office include sealing the windows and doors, storing water, checking draining systems, keeping documents safe, keeping phones charged, checking fire protection equipment, and preparing an emergency supply kit with a solar-powered generator like Jackery Solar Generator.
In the interview, Kent Hagood said about preparing for power outages during unexpected situations: "We have been hearing information about the weakness of the Texas power grid. I've been concerned about the process and how hot it has been this summer. I mainly purchased Jackery as a home emergency backup."
How to prepare your house for a hurricane?
Some simple ways to prepare your house for a hurricane include:
- Trimming trees near homes
- Looking for loose or damaged
- Cleaning the space in the garage
- Checking and securing windows and doors
- Inspecting roof for damaged shingles
- Cleaning out gutters
- Preparing an emergency supply kit
How to prepare for a hurricane list?
The hurricane preparation list should include non-perishable foods, seasonal clothing, sanitation supplies, a first aid kit, a portable radio, batteries, a flashlight, and a solar-powered generator like Jackery Solar Generator. The emergency kit should contain at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you while evacuating.
How to prepare for a hurricane easily?
Depending on the severity of the hurricane, there are many ways to prepare for a hurricane easily. For instance, evacuation is one of the best options if the situation worsens. If the danger is not serious, you can consider visiting shelters or staying home. To protect properties during hurricanes, consider removing anything that can lead to windborne debris.
Conclusion
Hurricane Beryl is a powerful hurricane that has caused significant damage in the southeast Caribbean. The earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic is currently forecast to barrel over Jamaica. The right time to prepare for a hurricane or strong winds is now. Understanding how to prepare for a hurricane or storm can help lower the overall impact of high winds or floodwaters.
You can take the steps outlined in the article to keep you and your family safe while ensuring your home and property remain protected. If you are evacuating in a vehicle (car or RV), make sure to prepare the vehicle and carry an essential emergency kit with you. Whether sheltering in or evacuating to a safe location, make sure to stock emergency supplies and invest in a portable power source like a Jackery Solar Generator to charge essential appliances.
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