“Not another Hurricane checklist”

A Smarter Approach to Hurricane Season

A few weeks ago we shared our hurricane preparedness rhyme:

"June too soon, July stand by, August look out, September remember, October all over."

Well...here we are in July.

So far, hurricane season has started quietly, thanks in part to persistent Saharan dust over the Atlantic and Caribbean. But as we've said before, a slow start doesn't mean there won't be a season.

July is your stand-by month

Not to panic. To prepare.

Most hurricane checklists begin with the consumables:

• Water

• Food

• Batteries

• Flashlights

Those items absolutely matter.

But right now they're also some of the easiest things to buy.

Instead, let's flip the checklist upside down.

Before buying another case of bottled water, let's focus on the things that become much harder to repair, replace, or accomplish once a storm is approaching—equipment, home maintenance, paperwork, planning, and the systems you'll depend on when the lights go out.

Plans reduce panic.  Preparation creates options. Options create confidence.

Preparation isn't just collecting supplies.

It's removing problems before they become emergencies.

Once you've taken care of the things that require planning, scheduling, repairs, and preparation, stocking up on the consumables becomes the easy part.

That's the approach we're taking today.

1. Test the Equipment You'll Depend On

Many Florida homes already have generators, portable power stations, chainsaws, or other emergency equipment sitting in the garage.

The question is...

Will they actually work?

• Gasoline goes bad.

• Fuel lines clog.

• Carburetors gum up.

• Starter batteries lose their charge.

• Air filters become dirty.

The week before a hurricane isn't the time to discover your generator won't start or your chainsaw won't idle.

Even more important, once a storm is approaching, repair shops quickly become overwhelmed. Unlike grocery stores, there are only so many small-engine mechanics, and replacement parts become scarce just when everyone needs them.

If your equipment needs service, July is the time to do it—not three days before landfall.

-Run it.

-Service it.

-Know it works.

2. Don't Forget the Fuel

Food is important.

Being able to cook it is just as important.

Fortunately, most Floridians already own a propane or charcoal grill.

Unfortunately, propane exchanges, charcoal, lighter fluid, and camp fuel are among the first things to disappear once a storm enters the forecast.

Fill your propane tanks now.

Pick up an extra bag of charcoal.

Store lighter fluid safely.

Pro Tip: Empty propane cylinders are inexpensive on local marketplaces. Buy one or two extras now, exchange them for full tanks, and you'll always have a reserve ready to go.

3. Record Your Home Before Nature Does

This may be one of the easiest—and most valuable—preparedness tasks you'll ever do.

Take your phone and walk through your home.

Open closets.

Photograph valuables.

Record electronics and other property.

Capture serial numbers.

Don't forget photograph medications, insurance cards, passports, and other important documents.

Narrate your video as you go.

If you've ever had to file an insurance claim after a disaster, you'll understand how valuable that video can become.

If you haven't...

Take it from those who have.

A fifteen-minute video today could save you weeks of frustration later.

4. Build Your Storm Action List

Once a tropical system begins heading toward South Florida, priorities change quickly.

Instead of trying to remember everything, make the list now.

Include items such as:

• Secure patio furniture

• Bring in outdoor decorations

• Remove awnings and shade sails

• Fill generator fuel cans

• Top off vehicle fuel tanks

• Charge batteries and power banks

• Withdraw some cash

• Prepare your boat, if applicable

Personally, I recommend topping off fuel as soon as a storm begins developing in our region—not because you know it's coming here, but because everyone else waits until the last minute.

You've probably seen the lines.

You've probably seen the empty gas stations.

The goal is to stay ahead of the rush. If nothing happens, you'll simply use that fuel over the following weeks.

Plans Reduce Panic.

5. Strengthen Weak Spots Before They Become Problems

Walk around your home.

Look at it like a hurricane would.

• Loose fence panels.

• Overhanging tree limbs.

• Missing shutters.

• Weak gates.

Anything that could become airborne or fail under strong winds.

Small repairs today often prevent much bigger repairs later.

Now contractors are generally available and hardware stores are stocked. Once watches and warnings are issued, schedules fill quickly and supplies begin disappearing.

If time and budget allow, harden those vulnerabilities now.

You'll gain more than a stronger home.

You'll gain peace of mind.

6. Think Beyond Flashlights

Power outages affect much more than lighting.

Recharge battery-powered fans.

Charge power banks.

Test lanterns.

Download offline maps.

Write down important phone numbers.

Remember that no electricity often means no internet and sometimes limited cellular service.

A deck of cards, board games, books, and activities for children can go a long way toward reducing stress during an extended outage.

Comfort is part of preparedness too.

7. Prepare Your Pets

Our pets depend on us just as much as the rest of the family.

Don't wait until a storm is approaching to discover you're running low on pet food or can't find the carrier.

Set aside:

• Food and water

• Medications

• Leashes or carriers

• Vaccination records

• Waste bags or litter

• A recent photo of your pet

If evacuation becomes necessary, know in advance where your pets can go. Not every shelter or hotel accepts animals.

Planning ahead keeps everyone calmer—including your four-legged family members.

8. Build Your Pantry a Little at a Time

Don't wait for the first tropical storm watch.

Every grocery trip is an opportunity.

Take advantage of sales and BOGO specials.

Buy foods your family already enjoys.

At the same time, begin adding shelf-stable items that don't require refrigeration:

• Rice

• Beans

• Pasta

• Canned goods

• Peanut butter

• Powdered milk

Building your supplies gradually is easier on your budget—and much less stressful than shopping alongside everyone else.

9. Water Is Still King

Water remains the single most important emergency supply.

Ironically, it's also one of the easiest things to prepare for early.

Right now, it's everywhere.

Later, it may not be.

Invest in good storage containers.

Pick up an extra case of bottled water when it's on sale.

Add electrolyte mixes or drink powders for variety during extended outages.

The goal isn't simply having water.

It's avoiding the last-minute scramble for it.

July Means Stand By

The rhyme wasn't meant to predict hurricanes.

It was meant to remind us when to prepare.

July is your opportunity.

Not because a storm is coming tomorrow.

But because August isn't far away.And the season ramps up.

Supplies are important.

But supplies alone don't make you prepared.

Planning does.

Preparation isn't about expecting the worst.

It's about creating options before you need them.

Because when the forecast changes...

Plans reduce panic. Preparation creates options. Options create confidence.

Mark B

— Urban Survival Craft