For all our readers living in the Southeastern U.S. In case you weren’t as well prepared as you thought for the last hurricane here is a quick list to help you when the need arises again. Because we know it will.

• Review Your Emergency Plan:
• Ensure everyone in your household knows the evacuation routes and meeting points.
• Practice evacuation procedures with your family.
• Update Contact Information:
• Verify and update the contact information for family members and emergency contacts.
• Emergency Kit Check:
• Review the contents of your emergency kit and replace expired items.
• Ensure you have enough supplies to last for at least a week.
• Secure Your Home:
• Check for weak points in your home’s structure and reinforce them if needed.
• Invest in storm shutters or pre-cut plywood to cover windows.
• Back Up Important Documents:
• Scan and store important documents digitally or in a waterproof container.
• Communication Plan:
• Establish a communication plan with family members in case of separation.
• Ensure everyone has a fully charged cell phone and a backup charger.
• Emergency Alerts:
• Sign up for emergency alerts from local authorities and weather agencies.
• Special Needs:
• Consider the needs of elderly family members, children, and pets.
• Cash Reserves:
• Keep a stash of cash in small denominations for immediate needs.
• Review Insurance Coverage:
• Make sure your homeowners or renters insurance covers hurricane damage.
• Understand the claims process and document your possessions.
• Take a video of the inside of your home and the outside of your home. Photos of your roof and outside your home are also important.
• Secure Outdoor Items:
• Trim trees and shrubs, secure outdoor furniture, and remove debris that could become projectiles.
• Know Evacuation Routes:
• Familiarize yourself with the designated evacuation routes in your area.
• Gas Up Your Vehicles:
• Keep your vehicles fueled in case of an evacuation; gas stations may be closed during the storm.
• Community Resources:
• Know the locations of emergency shelters and community resources.
• Emergency Contacts:
• Keep a list of important contacts in your wallet and in your phone.
• Learn Basic First Aid:
• Take a basic first aid and CPR course to be prepared for medical emergencies.
• Stay Informed:
• Keep track of weather forecasts and advisories as the storm approaches.
• Neighbors and Community:
• Check on neighbors, especially those who are vulnerable or elderly.
• Stay Calm and Patient:
• During the storm and its aftermath, stay patient and focused on safety.
• Post-Hurricane Safety:
• Be cautious of downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures after the storm has passed.

Remember that preparation is key to minimizing the impact of a hurricane. By staying organized and proactive, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your property when the need arises again.

We know being well-prepared also involves gathering essential supplies that can sustain you and your family in case of an emergency. Here’s a list of items you should consider gathering or purchasing to be better prepared for the next one!

• Emergency Kit Basics:
• Water: At least one gallon of water per person per day for several days.
• Non-perishable Food: Canned foods, energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, etc.
• Manual Can Opener: For canned foods.
• Utensils: Disposable plates, cups, utensils, and a portable stove if possible.
• First Aid Kit: Including bandages, antiseptics, medications, and medical supplies.
• Prescription Medications: A supply for at least two weeks.
• Personal Hygiene Items: Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, etc.
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife.
• Communication and Lighting:
• Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio: For receiving emergency alerts and information.
• Flashlights: Extra batteries or hand-crank models.
• Solar-Powered Chargers: For charging essential devices like phones.
• Clothing and Bedding:
• Extra Clothing: Including rain gear and sturdy shoes.
• Blankets or Sleeping Bags: To keep warm in case of power outages.
• Important Documents:
• Identification: Copies of IDs, passports, and important licenses.
• Insurance Policies: Homeowners, renters, health, and auto insurance.
• Medical Records: Including vaccination records and prescriptions.
• Proof of Address: Recent utility bills or other documents.
• Cash:
• Have a small amount of cash in various denominations as ATMs might not be accessible during power outages.
• Sanitation and Hygiene:
• Portable Toilet: In case sewage systems are compromised.
• Plastic Bags: For waste disposal.
• Disinfectant Wipes: For cleaning surfaces.
• Baby and Pet Supplies:
• Baby Supplies: Diapers, formula, baby food, etc.
• Pet Supplies: Food, water, medications, and carriers.
• Tools and Supplies:
• Duct Tape and Plastic Sheeting: To seal windows and doors.
• Basic Tools: Wrenches, pliers, hammer, nails, etc.
• Important Contacts:
• List of Emergency Contacts: Family, friends, local authorities, and medical providers.
• Maps:
• Local Maps: In case GPS and digital navigation systems fail.
• Entertainment:
• Books, games, puzzles, and other activities to pass the time.
• Extra Vehicle Fuel:
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank filled before the hurricane hits.

Remember, the key to hurricane preparedness is to plan ahead and gather these supplies well before a hurricane warning is issued. Regularly check and refresh your emergency kit to ensure that all items are in good condition and within their expiration dates. Additionally, create an emergency plan with your family members so everyone knows what to do and where to go in case of an evacuation.

Here at PursueMyMuse.com we’ve been down this road many times. It creates great peace of mind when things are in place and ready to go. We wish only the best for our readers always. Stay safe and God Bless!