Think PPP when you think hurricane safety
By Cheryl Borbey
State Farm® Agent
Hurricane season is here. Many people have survived hurricanes without any harm, and with modern
technology it almost seems that the path of a hurricane can be mapped out perfectly.
But don't be so sure. All the technology in the world cannot predict what Mother Nature will do. It’s
important to pay attention not to just the black line forecasters use for the storm track but also the area
on either side of it. The average error during the last 24 hours is about 85 miles, according to the National
Hurricane Center in Miami.
A moment to plan hurricane safety can give you peace of mind and keep your family and home safe. If you
want to be hurricane-safe, just follow the three Ps:
Plan
It’s always important for a family to have a plan for emergencies, whether it be a fire, earthquake or
hurricane. Every family member must know what to do to stay safe.
When a hurricane threatens, decide if your family will move to a safer place inland, go to a designated
shelter or ride out the storm in your home. Make sure you stay in touch with local authorities to know the
severity of the hurricane. You should also plan an escape route in case your family needs to evacuate.
Prepare
Your home should have a survival kit prepared for any emergency. It should include non-perishable food
items, a first aid kit, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, fresh batteries and drinking water. Also include
other items you might need such as medication, prescription glasses or your insurance information.
To ensure your home is prepared, cover up windows and doors using hurricane shutters. If you don't have
shutters, cover your windows and doors with 3/4-inch plywood. Make sure your garage door is closed and
anchored. Remember that serious hurricane damage can occur when wind and debris get into your house
through a broken door or window.
Protect
If you decide to ride out the hurricane, protect yourself. If you don't need to evacuate the area, stay indoors
away from windows or glass doors. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you don't
have a basement, go to a closet or a bathroom. If you need to leave the area, make sure you go directly
to the shelter. Take your survival kit and lock all doors and windows before you go. Let your relatives or
friends know where you plan to be.
Those who have a hurricane plan do much better than those who don’t. Taking a moment to plan today
may help you avoid last-minute panic. It could save your home and your family.
By Cheryl Borbey
State Farm® Agent
Hurricane season is here. Many people have survived hurricanes without any harm, and with modern
technology it almost seems that the path of a hurricane can be mapped out perfectly.
But don't be so sure. All the technology in the world cannot predict what Mother Nature will do. It’s
important to pay attention not to just the black line forecasters use for the storm track but also the area
on either side of it. The average error during the last 24 hours is about 85 miles, according to the National
Hurricane Center in Miami.
A moment to plan hurricane safety can give you peace of mind and keep your family and home safe. If you
want to be hurricane-safe, just follow the three Ps:
Plan
It’s always important for a family to have a plan for emergencies, whether it be a fire, earthquake or
hurricane. Every family member must know what to do to stay safe.
When a hurricane threatens, decide if your family will move to a safer place inland, go to a designated
shelter or ride out the storm in your home. Make sure you stay in touch with local authorities to know the
severity of the hurricane. You should also plan an escape route in case your family needs to evacuate.
Prepare
Your home should have a survival kit prepared for any emergency. It should include non-perishable food
items, a first aid kit, a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, fresh batteries and drinking water. Also include
other items you might need such as medication, prescription glasses or your insurance information.
To ensure your home is prepared, cover up windows and doors using hurricane shutters. If you don't have
shutters, cover your windows and doors with 3/4-inch plywood. Make sure your garage door is closed and
anchored. Remember that serious hurricane damage can occur when wind and debris get into your house
through a broken door or window.
Protect
If you decide to ride out the hurricane, protect yourself. If you don't need to evacuate the area, stay indoors
away from windows or glass doors. Put as many walls between you and the storm as possible. If you don't
have a basement, go to a closet or a bathroom. If you need to leave the area, make sure you go directly
to the shelter. Take your survival kit and lock all doors and windows before you go. Let your relatives or
friends know where you plan to be.
Those who have a hurricane plan do much better than those who don’t. Taking a moment to plan today
may help you avoid last-minute panic. It could save your home and your family.