TealAcre's Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
Hurricanes: The Basics
It’s hurricane season. Every year from June to the end of November,these tropical cyclones form in the Caribbean Sea or in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, going from a gust of wind over warm ocean water to the most destructive type of storm there is. According to the Office for Coastal Management, (which is part of the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, which is an agency of the United States Department of Commerce, interestingly enough)hurricanes have caused over $1.3 trillion dollars in damage and have been responsible for almost 7,000 deaths since 1980. The average hurricane causes about $22.8 billion in expenses.Because they require warm water, hurricanes are rarely found outside of the Equator. Of the 48 states in the continental United States, Florida is the closest to the Equator. So, it’s no surprise that despite being nicknamed the Sunshine State, it’s the most impacted by these weather phenomena.
Floridian Attitudes Towards Hurricanes
You might expect Floridians to have a cautious attitude to these storms. After all, hurricane season is six-months long and it only takes one storm to cause serious damage. However, as a (nearly) lifelong resident of Florida, I can tell you this is not the case. You can call it the product of either nihilism or hubris but, tell a Floridian a hurricane is coming on Friday, and their response will be something along the lines of “Sweet! Three-day weekend!” This nonchalant attitude is best embodied by the hurricane party. It is all but guaranteed that you will lose power during a hurricane. During a hurricane party, people will get together either before a hurricane or after one to wait until the power comes back on. This often involves grilling meat and using other perishable items that cannot be stored without power. This isn’t a sullen affair, people are eating, drinking, and having a good time.
That isn’t to say people don’t prepare for a hurricane. They definitely do! But once they’ve got their gallons of water & non-perishable canned foods, filled up their cars, and shuttered their windows, they don’t let the coming storm, or their fear of the coming storm, or the uncertainty that lies ahead, stop them from enjoying themselves or connecting with their community.
The Checklist
If you’re new to Florida, and Debbie was your first hurricane, here’s a non-exhaustive list of items you may need to be prepared for the next one:
Important Documents. Keep the following items in a waterproof container: your driver’s license, passports, insurance policies & cards, medical records (including information about where you receive medication, the name of the drug, and the dosage), banking & credit card information, copies of your social security cards, birth/adoption certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, service animal ID, veterinary records, and proof of ownership, as well as a copy of your estate plan.
Water. Keep at least a seven-day supply of water. A rule of thumb is one gallon of water per person per day, including your pets. Your supply should be enough to cover your drinking water and sanitation needs.
Food. Keep at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food. These are canned or pre-packaged items that do not need to be frozen or refrigerated. Examples include:
Proteins like canned tuna, chicken, & salmon; low-sodium canned soups, like tomato, lentil, minestrone, & chicken noodle; unsalted nuts, canned beans & lentils, and jerky.
Fruits and Vegetables like low-sodium or no salt canned corn, green beans, carrots, green peas, & mixed vegetables; canned fruits in water, unsweetened applesauce, dried fruits like raisins, prunes, & apricots; and fresh fruits that don’t require refrigeration like apples, oranges, and bananas.
Grains like whole grain crackers, cereals, bread, tortillas, and rice cakes.
Dairy like powered milked or single-serving shelf-stable milk or milk-alternatives.
Disposable Cutlery and Dining Ware like paper plates, plastic cups & utensils, and napkins
Cash. ATMs and banks may not be open or available after a storm, so having at least $300.00 in cash can help cover any unexpected costs. Avoid carrying large bills as you likely won’t be able to get change.
Gas. Like other businesses, there’s no promise gas stations will be open after a hurricane. So, if possible, fill all your vehicles up with gas BEFORE the storm hits.
Tools & Utility Items. These are items you’ll need when the power goes out. For example, a manual can opener, a wrench, a set of pliers, a flashlight, disposable batteries, portable chargers/power banks for your cellphone, a battery-powered radio or television, matches or a lighter (keep a waterproof container), a Class ABC fire extinguisher, a tire repair kit, booster cables, a tire pump, and flares & a whistle to signal for help.
Health, Hygiene, & Sanitation. These are items to maintain your health and hygiene, like a first-aid kit & manual, over-the-counter medications like aspirin, anti-diarrheal, antacids, & laxatives, feminine hygiene supplies, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper, garbage bags, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, extra clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, and two-week’s worth of any prescription medication,
Infant & Pet Care. The following items are important for families with young children and pets, who are very much part of the family:
For Families with Young Children. Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, rash cream, games, pacifiers, puzzles, books, & other activities.
For Families with Pets. Pet food and water to last at least seven days, a secure identification tag on the collar, medical records, shot records, and microchip information, a carrier or cage, muzzle, leash, water & food bowls, medications, litter (for cats).
An Approach Estate Planning
You may be wondering “what does this has to do with estate planning?” Well, think of the nonchalant Floridian approach to hurricanes as a metaphor for dealing with the finite nature or human existence. It’s not that you don’t prepare for the end, you do. But after you’ve done what’s within your control, you don’t let death, or fear of the death, or the uncertainty of when it happens stop you from living your life. You don’t let it stop you protecting your family or from finding meaning by connecting with your community.
Get Your Estate Planning Done with TealAcre! Don't Leave Your Family At Risk
The first part of preparing and keeping your family safe is to make sure you have the right estate plan to cover every possible scenario. Don’t leave it to chance, or an online D.I.Y option, or the cheapest lawyer you can find! You read this far because you’re curious about estate planning. And, you’re curious about estate planning because you have questions. These questions can be related to what will happen to your family, your assets, or business should anything happen to you. Instead of going at it alone, let TealAcre help you get the clarity and peace of mind you’re looking for. To contact us you can:
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation by clicking here.
Register for our next webinar by clicking here.
To check out our social media, click here.
To sign up for our newsletter & receive exclusive offers, articles, and insights, click here.