<body><div>With Tropical Storm Beryl forming in the Atlantic, many fear it will upgrade into a hurricane. I am one of them, because I am in no way ready for hurricane season. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, capable of causing widespread devastation in a matter of hours. Proper preparation can significantly mitigate the risks and damages associated with these storms. Here are 5 things you need to do to prepare for hurricane season.<h2>1. Create an Emergency Plan</h2>The cornerstone of hurricane preparedness is a well-organized emergency plan. This plan should include the following components:<ul><li>Communication Strategy: Establish how you will communicate with family members if you become separated. Designate a meeting place and an out-of-town contact who can relay information.</li><li>Evacuation Routes: Know your community’s evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go. Make sure all family members are familiar with the plan.</li><li>Roles and Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to each family member, such as who will gather emergency supplies, who will secure the home, and who will be responsible for pets.</li><li>Special Needs Considerations: Plan for any special needs of family members, such as medical requirements or mobility issues.</li></ul><h2>2. Assemble an Emergency Kit</h2>An emergency kit is crucial for ensuring that you have the necessary supplies to survive for at least 72 hours without outside assistance. Your kit should include:<ul><li>Water and Non-Perishable Food: At least one gallon of water per person per day and a three-day supply of non-perishable food.</li><li>First Aid Supplies: A comprehensive first aid kit including bandages, antiseptics, medications, and any prescription medications.</li><li>Tools and Equipment: Flashlights, batteries, a battery-operated radio, multi-purpose tools, and a manual can opener.</li><li>Personal Items: Important documents (ID, insurance policies), cash, blankets, clothes, and sanitation supplies.</li></ul><h2>3. Secure Your Home</h2>Protecting your home from the powerful winds and flooding associated with hurricanes is essential. Key steps include:<ul><li>Shutter Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood to prevent breakage.</li><li>Reinforce the Roof: Ensure your roof is securely fastened and consider reinforcing it with hurricane straps or clips.</li><li>Clear Outdoor Areas: Remove or secure any outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment that could become projectiles in high winds.</li><li>Elevate Utilities: If possible, elevate water heaters, furnaces, and electrical panels to avoid flood damage.</li></ul><h2>4. Stay Informed</h2>Staying informed about the hurricane’s path and potential impact is vital. You can do this by:<ul><li>Monitoring Weather Updates: Regularly check trusted sources such as the National Hurricane Center, local news, and weather apps for updates.</li><li>Understanding Alerts and Warnings: Familiarize yourself with the different types of alerts (e.g., hurricane watch vs. warning) and what actions each requires.</li><li>Using Social Media and Community Networks: Follow local government and emergency management agencies on social media for real-time information and instructions.</li></ul><h2>5. Plan for After the Storm</h2>Recovery planning is just as important as preparation. Consider the following:<ul><li>Assessing Damage: Once it is safe to do so, inspect your home for damage. Document any damage with photos and notes for insurance purposes.</li><li>Contacting Insurance Providers: Report any damage to your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.</li><li>Safety Precautions: Be aware of potential hazards such as downed power lines, contaminated water, and unstable structures.</li><li>Access to Resources: Know where to find community resources such as shelters, food, and medical assistance if needed.</li></ul>Preparing for a hurricane requires careful planning and proactive measures. By creating an emergency plan, assembling a well-stocked emergency kit, securing your home, staying informed, and planning for recovery, you can greatly enhance your resilience and safety during and after a hurricane. These steps are not only crucial for protecting your property, but more importantly, for ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones.Rich grew up in the Bronx, NY but moved to Tampa in 2006 to attend the University of Tampa. Even though he completed 4 years at the University for Sports Management, Ortiz realized his true passion for radio after taking a couple of classes to fulfill his communications minor and volunteering at UT's WUTT radio station as a sports director. Rich also worked at several clubs in Tampa as a host/promoter where he would meet and work alongside Davy Rolando, who would be the one who would help him get a job at WiLD 94.1. From there, Rich worked his way up from Promotions assistant to promotions coordinator, to eventually full-time on-air. Rich loves to write about his favorite Tampa food spots, concert reviews, and the WiLDest Florida man/woman stories. <h2>7 Activities To Keep Kids Occupied During Hurricane Days</h2>If there’s one thing people in Florida are used to, it’s school canceling for hurricane days! If you live up north, your little ones might be doing the same thing but for snow days. Either way being locked in the house can take a toll on everyone and boredom might set in. A major hurricane could make you feel anxious or stressed. If you have little kids it’s great time to have multiple options to distract everyone. Whether you have power or not these options will work for you!<h2>Activities for Hurricane Days:</h2>When hunkering down parents should also focus on how to entertain their kids during the storm to pass the time. Having lots of different things to do can make them feel creative and less stressed about a hurricane that’s coming. Arts and crafts are a great way to put them to work and use their minds while being creative at the same time. The last thing you want to hear during a hurricane is “I’m Bored” every two minutes. That’s why we’ve put together a list of options so you can keep the kids having fun, being creative and out of your hair. Big storms are stressful enough on parents the last thing you need is the little ones driving you nuts.Normally, going outside would be an option on this list during a hurricane you might not want to risk going on a walk. You never know when the weather can change quickly and it could become dangerous. Sometimes you don’t know if you’ll be trapped inside for two days or more and losing power could be happen as well. So, if you’re looking for activities to hold over the kids until the storm passes? Here are some ideas! Scroll down for 7 activities the kids will love while stuck in the house during a hurricane.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2FzR4H_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2FzR4H_0u8aAgfU00" width="1100" height="734" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=20nNMU_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=20nNMU_0u8aAgfU00" width="724" height="483" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0p76Ce_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0p76Ce_0u8aAgfU00" width="1100" height="733" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3L9OwH_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3L9OwH_0u8aAgfU00" width="1100" height="721" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1UhVpQ_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1UhVpQ_0u8aAgfU00" width="1100" height="733" ></figure><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1zlQqK_0u8aAgfU00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1zlQqK_0u8aAgfU00" width="1100" height="733" ></figure></div></body>

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5 Things You Need To Do To Prepare For Hurricane Season

With Tropical Storm Beryl forming in the Atlantic, many fear it will upgrade into a hurricane. I am one of them, because I am in no way ready for hurricane season. Hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, capable of causing widespread devastation in a matter of hours. Proper preparation can significantly mitigate the risks and damages associated with these storms. Here are 5 things you need to do to prepare for hurricane season.