Hurricane Prep: Ready Your Home for the 2022 Hurricane Season

Hurricanes cause high winds, storm surge, and flooding, which can cause major damage to your home. These dangerous weather events usually occur along the U.S. Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, or in Central Pacific territories. If you’re planning hurricane prep for the 2022 hurricane season, read on to find out how you can be prepared for a weather emergency.

When does hurricane season start?

This depends on where you live in the U.S.

• West Coast (Eastern Pacific) hurricane season is from May 15 to November 30
• East Coast (Atlantic) hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30
• U.S. territories: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, or American Samoa, (Central Pacific) hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30

When should I start preparing for hurricane season?

It’s never too early to prepare for a hurricane. Remember – there’s little time to prepare when disaster strikes. Start your hurricane prep now in case of a sudden weather emergency.

What do I need to prep for hurricane season?

The two most important things to do when preparing for a weather emergency are to:

• Make an emergency plan
• Assemble an emergency kit

How to Create an Emergency Plan

1. Meet with family members about being prepared in case of a hurricane.
2. Draw a floor plan for your home. Decide on safe spots to go to in case of an emergency.
3. Pick two emergency meeting places. One should be a place near your home. The other should be away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a hurricane.
4. Plan how the family will respond to an unexpected event such as a power outage or personal injury.
5. Show family members how to shut off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches – just in case.
6. Teach kids how and when to call 911.
7. Have your family attend a basic first aid class and a CPR class.
8. Pick two contacts: One out-of-state relative or friend and a local relative or friend for family members to contact if they become separated. Give the out-of-state contact phone number to your children.

How do I make an emergency kit?

Assemble an emergency kit by gathering critical supplies and resources you’ll need if you must evacuate.
Store supplies in a lightweight tote bag, backpack, or duffle bag for easy transportation.

Supplies to include in a hurricane prep emergency kit include:

1. Bottled Water: (one gallon per person per day)
2. Non-perishable packaged or canned food
3. Non-electric can opener
4. One change of clothing per family member – include rain gear and sturdy, closed-toes shoes.
5. Sleeping bags or warm blankets
6. First aid kit including prescription medications
7. Personal hygiene items and feminine supplies
8. Extra pairs of eyeglasses
9. Battery-powered radio and flashlight, plus extra batteries
10. Portable phone chargers
11. Methods of payment –Cash, credit card, debit card
12. Extra set of car keys
13. Lists: List of family physicians and a list of important family information. Include a list of medications and information about health devices your family uses, such as a pacemaker.
14. Items that are required for babies, seniors, or disabled family members.

If I must evacuate, what should I do when I return home?

Here are a few tips on how to stay safe when returning home after a hurricane:

• Listen to local officials for important information or special instructions.
• Phone systems are often out of order or extremely busy after a disaster. Save phone calls for emergencies only. Send text messages or post on social media to reach family and friends.
• Document any property damage with photos. Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider for assistance.
• Wear protective clothing during cleanup. Work as a team for safety.
• Do not wade in floodwater. It may contain chemicals, pathogens, or dangerous floating debris.
• Do not touch wet electrical equipment. To prevent shock, turn off electricity at the main breaker if it’s safe to do so.

How do I clean up after a hurricane?

Tips for Staying Safe When Cleaning Your Home After a Hurricane:

• Wear protective clothing. Use a face covering if cleaning mold, mildew, or debris from home surfaces.
• People with asthma, a lung condition, or a suppressed immune system should not enter damaged homes or structures with a water leak or signs of mold growth – even if they aren’t allergic to mold.
• Kids should be kept away from disaster cleanup.

 How to Rid Your Home of Mold and Mildew

Get rid of mold and mildew on your home’s surfaces with Wet & Forget Indoor Mold+Mildew Disinfectant Cleaner. This spray removes mold and mildew while cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing indoor surfaces.

Wet & Forget Indoor Mold+Mildew Disinfectant Cleaner kills 99.9% of Bacteria & Viruses, including the Virus¹,² that causes Covid-19. It also helps to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew without any bleach or irritating fumes.

This product is also a mold and mildew odor destroyer. In case of indoor flooding, be sure to use Wet & Forget Indoor to eliminate any musty smells left behind after a storm.

Just spray dirty, moldy indoor surfaces – wait 10 minutes – wipe surfaces dry with a cloth or allow to air dry. You’re done!

¹SARS-Related Coronavirus 2. ²On hard, non-porous, non-food surfaces.

For additional information about how to prepare for a hurricane in your community, contact your local emergency management office, civil defense office, or local chapter of the American Red Cross.