Preparation is key to surviving hurricanes, storms-

Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life threatening as well as cause serious hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high wind and tornadoes, resulting in devastating property damage.

The official hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico is June 1 through November 30. This year’s season started churning earlier, with Tropical Storm Arthur in mid-May.

Southside Electric Cooperative urges members to learn what to do to keep loved ones safe! Here are some recommendations from internet sources for being prepared to weather the storm.

• Determine your risk because hurricanes are not just coastal problems. Tornadoes, high wind and heavy rain occur inland, hundreds of miles from the hurricane’s eye. Find a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radio station to track the storm.

• Keep insurance policies, documents and other valuables in a safe-deposit box or fireproof lockbox. You may need quick, easy access to these documents. Take pictures on a phone and keep copies of important documents and files on a flash drive that you can carry with you or on your house or car keys.

• If you need to evacuate, plan multiple options of friends or family members where you can go and also know of a local emergency shelter. Be sure to account for your pets as well.

• If you are not evacuating, make sure your house is in good repair and have plywood to board up doors and windows.

• Put together an emergency supply kit. Have enough for three days for evacuation and two weeks if you stay at home.
  • One gallon of water per person per day
  • Non-perishable and easy-to-prepare food and a manual can opener
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Medications
  • Cell phones and chargers
  • Blankets and towels
  • First-aid kit with scissors
  • Cash

Preparation is the key. It is important to have everything organized and arranged. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the added stress may prevent you from making the correct decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan and share it with your loved ones. This planning will make the difference between being a hurricane casualty or a hurricane survivor.