Hurricane Season: Why Preppers Need To Take Preparedness Seriously
Every year, the threat of hurricanes returns to the Gulf Coast, and this year is no different. Recently, leaders and emergency officials from the Coastal Bend area held their annual Hurricane Conference and Training Summit. Their main goal? To make sure everyone is ready for the storms that may come. While officials work together to protect the community, personal preparedness is your own responsibility. Let’s break down what this means for preppers and what you can do to keep your family safe.
Teamwork Is Important, But Self-Reliance Is Key
Officials at the summit stressed the importance of teamwork. When a hurricane strikes, it affects many cities and counties at once. While emergency crews and government agencies will do their best, you can’t rely on them to save you right away. In a major storm, help could take days to arrive. That’s why self-reliance is so important for preppers and anyone living in hurricane zones.
Hurricane Lessons: What Past Storms Teach Us
Leaders at the conference talked about lessons learned from past hurricanes, like Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Each disaster teaches new things about communication, evacuation, and resource management. But many of these lessons come down to one simple fact: those who prepare ahead of time have the best chance of staying safe and comfortable during and after a storm.
Practical Preparedness Steps for Hurricane Season
If you live near the coast or anywhere hurricanes could hit, now is the time to get ready. Here are some actionable steps every prepper should take:
- Build a storm kit: Gather at least 3 days’ worth of water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and important documents in a waterproof container.
- Know your evacuation routes: Find out where you’ll go if you have to leave and plan how you’ll get there. Practice the route with your family before hurricane season starts.
- Stay informed: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio to get updates if the power goes out. Sign up for emergency alerts in your area.
- Prepare your home: Board up windows, secure loose outdoor objects, and trim trees to reduce the chance of damage.
- Plan for pets: Make sure you have food, water, and a safe place for your animals during a storm or evacuation.
- Fuel up early: Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout hurricane season in case you need to leave quickly.
- Cash on hand: Power outages can make ATMs and credit cards useless. Keep some cash in small bills for emergencies.
Communication During Disasters
One key topic at the summit was communication. During hurricanes, cell towers can go down and power can fail. Preppers should have a plan for staying in touch with loved ones and receiving important information.
- Choose a family meeting point: Decide on a safe place to meet if you get separated.
- Use two-way radios: These can help you talk to family or neighbors if phones stop working.
- Write down emergency contacts: Don’t depend only on your phone’s memory.
Learn From The Experts, But Prepare Yourself
The summit brought together people from many groups: emergency services, hospitals, schools, and utility companies. This shows that hurricane response takes a team effort. But as a prepper, your job is to be ready before disaster strikes. Don’t wait for officials to tell you what to do—make your plan now and practice it with your family.
Stay Ahead Of The Storm: Final Tips For Preppers
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says this hurricane season could be busy, with more storms than usual. Local leaders are working hard, but your safety starts at home. Here’s a final checklist to get ahead of the storm:
- Review your insurance: Make sure your home and belongings are covered, including for flood damage.
- Stock up on supplies early: Don’t wait until a storm is coming—store food, water, and essentials now.
- Keep important documents safe: Use a waterproof bag or container for things like IDs, insurance papers, and medical records.
- Practice your plan: Go through your evacuation and communication plan with your family so everyone knows what to do.
- Check in with neighbors: Older adults or people with disabilities might need help. Make a plan to support each other.
Preparedness Starts With You
While emergency officials and community leaders are doing their part, remember: prepping is a personal responsibility. Don’t wait for disaster to strike before you take action. With the right supplies, a solid plan, and strong survival skills, you can weather any storm that comes your way this hurricane season.
