Hurricane Preparedness Tips from FEMA, Red Cross & 4Patriots

Today I want to provide you with tips on how to deal with hurricanes. Even if you don’t live in a hurricane zone, you might still experience their effects. And some of these tips will also apply to other storms you are more likely to face.

As you probably know, 4Patriots is not the only organization issuing these warnings. They come from a wide variety of weather and emergency sources. Including FEMA and the American Red Cross. Both of which recommend stockpiling non-perishable food and water. More on that in a moment.

Incredible wind speeds cause devastation 

Hurricanes are tropical cyclones occurring in the north Atlantic Ocean and the northeast Pacific Ocean. They have sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or stronger. Some have been recorded as high as 195 mph.

At the center of the air circulation is the eye, inside of which it’s relatively calm. But the strongest thunderstorms and winds circulate in the eye wall immediately surrounding the eye.

When you’re in the eye, you know you’re just about to get hit with the ferocious eye wall at any moment.

One advantage in dealing with a hurricane rather than a tornado is that you will have considerably more advance notice to prepare for it, thanks to meteorological advancements.

Destructive and deadly 

The downsides to a hurricane – and there are plenty of them – are that they can be very slow moving and can bring excessive amounts of water with them.

They can cause extensive flooding and are often accompanied by thunderstorms and tornadoes. Plus sustained rains and winds. Hurricanes can knock out power for days or weeks. And cut off usable water supplies. 

Some of the most devastating hurricanes in the U.S. in recent memory were Ida in 2021, Laura in 2020, Michael in 2018 and Irma in 2017. Plus Matthew and Harvey in 2016, Sandy in October 2012, and Katrina in August 2005.

The largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter with winds spanning 1,100 miles, Sandy affected 24 states and caused an estimated $65 billion in damage in the U.S., especially in New Jersey and New York.

Katrina caused at least 1,833 deaths. Making it one of the five deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. And an estimated $81 billion in property damage.  

Make a plan and stock up on supplies

Having an emergency response plan in place in case a hurricane is heading your way is crucial if you live in an area susceptible to these vicious storms.

The key to dealing with a hurricane is planning for it. Having a 72-hour survival kit and your bug-out bag ready to go and knowing your evacuation routes will save you valuable time.

It’s also crucial to have plenty of survival food and water stockpiled. The American Red Cross recommends a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home.

FEMA suggests at least several days’ worth of food and water. At 4Patriots, we suggest as much as you can stockpile. You never know how long an emergency is going to last.

What to do before it strikes

One thing that is impractical to do in advance – but which you should be ready to start executing at a moment’s notice when you hear a hurricane is heading your way – is preparing your home. This involves: 

  • Boarding up windows with plywood or installing storm shutters.
  • Securing your roof and siding to your house frame with straps.
  • Reinforcing garage doors, trimming long tree branches and bringing outdoor furniture into your house. 
  • Familiarizing yourself and your family with utility shut-off switches and valves in your house in case you need to evacuate.

Other activities you should engage in prior to a hurricane approaching your area are:

  • Familiarize yourself with emergency routes and shelters. Print out those routes and keep them in your vehicle’s glove compartment.
  •  Make yourself aware of community shelters in your neighborhood just in case you need to use one. 
  • Make sure your car has a full gas tank and that important items such as a first-aid kit are in your car.

During and after the storm

During a hurricane, assuming there was no evacuation order and you decided to ride it out, monitor emergency radio and mainstream media reports.

Close your blinds and move your most valuable possessions away from windows. Then stay away from those windows, close interior doors and remain in your home’s interior rooms. 

Once the storm has passed, continue to monitor weather reports and try to use flashlights instead of candles if your power is out.

When you return after evacuating, keep an eye out for flooding, ruptured gas lines and damaged structures. Be aware that water may have become contaminated. Report any damage sustained by your home to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Non-food items to gather

Of course, there’s more to preparing for a hurricane or other type of storm than survival food and water. You’d be wise to have these items handy as well:

  • Flashlight and extras batteries. Or better yet, a solar-powered, tactical flashlight.
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank emergency weather radio
  • First-aid kit and medications
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Blankets, extra clothing, boots, gloves, etc.
  • Cash
  • Maps 

Free survival food? Yep!

The Red Cross, FEMA, 4Patriots and you all know it’s crucial to have survival food on hand in case of an emergency.

Maybe you already have some stockpiled. Or maybe you’re a beginner to the preparedness game. Either way, I want to help you out. 

For a limited time, I will provide you – free of charge – with a 72-Hour Survival Food Kit from 4Patriots. All you have to do is pay shipping and handling.

If you already have a stockpile of survival food, this is an inexpensive way to add to it. And if you’re new to preparedness, this is a great way to get started.

This Kit includes 16 total servings of delicious meals like Grammy’s Sweet Oatmeal for breakfast, America’s Finest Mac & Cheese for lunch, and Creamy Rice & Vegetable Dinner. 

All you have to do is boil, simmer and serve. These meals come in triple-layer Mylar pouches and will last up to 25 years under proper storage conditions.

Here’s how to grab your free 72-Hour Survival Food Kit… 

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