Preparing for a Hurricane: 1-2 Days Before the Storm Hits

When a hurricane is just days away from making landfall, the clock is ticking, and the preparations you make can mean the difference between comfort and chaos, safety and danger. Whether you’ve lived through hurricanes before or this is your first experience, these last two days are crucial. Here at Viking 6 Tactical, we’re committed to helping you be ready for any emergency, and this guide provides detailed steps to ensure your home and family are prepared as a hurricane looms closer.

1. Charge All Electrical Devices

In the event of a power outage, your electronic devices will become lifelines. Make sure to fully charge the following devices:

- Mobile Phones: Keep them charged as close to 100% as possible.

- Power Banks: Ensure you have fully charged power banks or portable chargers. These will be critical to keeping phones, radios, and small devices powered.

- Tablets and Laptops: If you have tablets, e-readers, or laptops, charge them as well. They can be useful for entertainment or storing digital copies of critical documents.

To conserve battery life when the storm hits:

- Turn on low-power modes on all devices.

- Dim your screens and turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not needed.

- Only use essential apps and functions to preserve energy.

2. Fuel Up Your Vehicle

A full gas tank may be one of your most important resources in the event of an emergency. If evacuations become necessary, fuel stations might be empty, or you might face long lines. Here’s what you should do:

- Fill your vehicle's tank completely. This ensures you’re ready to evacuate if mandatory orders are given or if you need to relocate for any reason.

- Top off gas cans if you have them. Extra gas may be used for generators or if you have to travel longer distances.

- Check tires and oil levels to avoid any last-minute mechanical issues that could hinder your evacuation or travel.

3. Prepare Your Weather Radios and Flashlights

When the power goes out, communication and lighting are essential. Follow these steps:

- Charge any battery-powered weather radios. If you have a crank radio, make sure it’s operational. NOAA weather radios provide critical updates on the storm and emergency instructions.

- Replace all batteries in your radios and flashlights with fresh ones. Don’t wait until the lights go out—do this before the storm hits to avoid fumbling in the dark.

- Have extra batteries on hand, especially AA, AAA, and any specific sizes needed for other critical devices in your home.

4. Create a Family Communication Plan

During a storm, communication lines may become overloaded, and mobile towers can go down. Before this happens, establish a clear communication strategy with family members.

- Update everyone’s emergency contact information. Make sure each person knows who to call and when, especially in different geographical locations.

- Have a designated out-of-area contact. Sometimes local lines are down, but you can reach a family member outside the storm’s impact zone, who can act as a go-between for updates.

- Set up alternative communication methods. Email, Facebook, and other social media platforms often remain accessible when phones don’t work. Ensure everyone has login details.

- Leave voicemail updates. If cell coverage is lost or spotty, you can update your voicemail message with your status and whereabouts. These changes will take effect once the phone gets service again, allowing people who call you to hear the latest information even if you can’t answer.

5. Secure Important Items in Your Home

The time to double-check your emergency preparedness supplies is now.

- Water and Food: Ensure you have enough water (1 gallon per person per day) for at least 3-7 days. If you have frozen water bottles in your freezer, they can serve as both cold packs for your food and drinking water when thawed.

- Medications: Make sure all prescription medications are filled and consider obtaining an additional week’s worth in case pharmacies are closed or supplies are low after the storm.

- Weatherproof Your Supplies: Place important documents (insurance policies, identification, bank information) in waterproof containers or zip-lock bags. Have physical copies as well as digital backups stored on a secure flash drive or cloud service.

6. Final Safety Checks

Before the storm hits, take a final walk-through around your home to secure outdoor objects and fortify any vulnerable areas.

- Outdoor Objects: Secure patio furniture, grills, potted plants, or any other loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.

- Windows and Doors: Check that all windows and doors are locked and, if necessary, cover them with plywood or storm shutters.

- Secure Garage Doors: If your garage doors are not reinforced, they are a major weak spot during high winds. Secure them with additional supports if possible.

7. Stay Informed

Keep an eye on the storm’s progress and listen to your local emergency management officials for updates. Pay attention to:

- Evacuation orders

- Changes in the storm's path

- Flood warnings or tornado watches

Utilize your weather radios, TV, and reliable news websites to stay updated on the situation. Local government apps or emergency alert systems can also be beneficial for real-time alerts.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for what’s to come. At Viking 6 Tactical, we specialize in preparedness training, helping you to develop strategies tailored to your family’s needs. Our free classes and custom preparedness plans can ensure you’re not caught off guard in future emergencies. The actions you take in the final days before a hurricane can significantly impact your safety, comfort, and ability to recover in the aftermath. Don’t leave anything to chance, prepare today.

For more detailed preparedness information or to schedule a class, visit us at www.viking6tactical.com or reach out via email at viking6tactical@gmail.com or TEXT us at 802-349-8080.

Stay safe and be prepared! Be proactive, stay prepared, and arm yourself with knowledge from Viking 6 Tactical.