Preparing for the Final Hours: What to Do the Day a Hurricane Is About to Strike

When a hurricane is just hours from making landfall, your window for preparation is quickly closing. While you’ve hopefully made significant progress in preparing over the past few days, the day a hurricane is about to strike is critical for last-minute adjustments. Here at Viking 6 Tactical, we emphasize staying calm but focused during this final stretch, ensuring that all your emergency plans and resources are ready. In this article, we outline exactly what you should do in the hours leading up to the storm.

1. Fill Every Water Container

Water will be one of your most valuable resources if the storm knocks out power or water services. Here's what to focus on the day of the storm:

- Fill Bathtubs and Large Containers: Use your bathtub as a backup water reservoir. You can purchase a bathtub water blivet (like a tub BOB) that holds gallons of water for drinking, cleaning, and flushing toilets. If you don’t have a blivet, just fill the tub and cover it with a plastic sheet or tarp to keep it clean.

- Fill Reusable Water Bottles and Jugs: Every available bottle, jug, or cooler should be filled with tap water before the storm hits. This can serve as drinking water, ice packs, or water for washing.

- Keep Ice in Freezers: You can freeze any excess water in bottles or bags to help keep your fridge or coolers cold if the power goes out. When the ice melts, you’ll also have an additional supply of drinking water.

2. Place All Devices on Chargers

The moment you lose power, your electronics become essential tools for staying connected and informed. Follow these steps to ensure all your electronic devices are fully powered:

- Charge All Phones: Make sure every mobile device is at 100% and remains plugged in as long as you have power. If the power goes out, these phones may become your only source of information or communication.

- Charge Power Banks: Have your portable chargers and power banks plugged in and charging as well. These can keep your phones, radios, or other small devices going if you lose power for an extended period.

- Charge Laptops and Tablets: Even if you’re not planning to use them immediately, a fully charged laptop or tablet can be an additional communication tool or entertainment source during long periods without power.

- Charge Flashlights and Radios: If your flashlights or weather radios are rechargeable, now is the time to top them off. For battery-powered ones, ensure all batteries are new or fully charged.

3. Double-Check Your Emergency Kit

Your emergency kit is your lifeline during and after the storm, so this is the last chance to make sure it’s fully stocked and easy to access.

- Confirm Food and Water Supplies: You should have enough non-perishable food and water for at least 3-7 days for each family member. Make sure it’s accessible and that you have a manual can opener if needed.

- Keep First Aid Supplies Close: Your first aid kit should be within reach, along with any essential medications. Make sure medications are stored in waterproof containers and that you have at least a week’s supply for each person.

- Have Cash on Hand: If power is out for an extended period, ATMs and card machines may be down. Having some cash ready can be a lifesaver for emergency purchases.

4. Secure Your Home One Last Time

In the final hours before the hurricane hits, make a last sweep of your home to ensure it’s secure and ready for high winds and flooding.

- Bring in Outdoor Items: Any outdoor furniture, grills, plants, or loose items that haven’t already been secured should be brought inside or tied down. These items can turn into dangerous projectiles in strong winds.

- Close and Lock Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are fully closed, locked, and, if necessary, reinforced with plywood or storm shutters. This step is critical in preventing wind and rain damage.

- Reinforce Garage Doors: If you haven’t already done so, secure your garage doors. A garage is one of the most vulnerable parts of the home during a hurricane, and failure to reinforce it can result in significant damage.

5. Prepare for Power Loss

Assume that you will lose power, and plan accordingly:

- Unplug Electronics: Once the storm is about to hit, unplug sensitive electronics like TVs, computers, and appliances to prevent damage from power surges.

- Set Your Freezer and Fridge to the Coldest Settings: This will keep food fresher for longer in case the power goes out. Once the power is lost, avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unless absolutely necessary.

- Locate Candles, Flashlights, and Lanterns: Make sure every person in your household has a flashlight or lantern at hand. Keep candles in safe, accessible spots, but avoid leaving them unattended.

6. Communicate with Family and Neighbors

At Viking 6 Tactical, we emphasize the importance of community during emergencies. Reach out to your family and neighbors:

- Finalize Your Communication Plan: This is the time to check in with family members, both locally and in other areas, to make sure everyone knows the plan if communication goes down.

- Confirm Your Evacuation Plan: If you're in an evacuation zone and haven’t left yet, this is the time to finalize your evacuation plans. Know where your nearest shelters are and ensure that you have all necessary items packed and ready to go.

- Reach Out to Vulnerable Neighbors: Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure they’re prepared or assist them with last-minute preparations.

7. Stay Informed

Now is the time to stay glued to your weather updates.

- Listen to Weather Alerts: Keep your weather radio on and listen for updates on the storm’s track, evacuation orders, and emergency information.

- Monitor Local Authorities: Follow your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies on social media or via text alerts for real-time information.

- Stay Indoors: Once the storm is about to hit, shelter inside your home in a windowless room or interior hallway. Stay away from windows and doors during the worst of the storm.

Final Thoughts from Viking 6 Tactical

The hours before hurricane strikes are a critical time for final preparations. By charging your devices, securing water, and making sure your home is as fortified as possible, you’ll be in the best position to ride out the storm safely. Viking 6 Tactical is here to help you prepare for all emergencies, from hurricanes to everyday home defense. By taking the right steps in the final hours, you can minimize damage, protect your family, and ensure you have the resources you need to recover once the storm has passed.

For more detailed preparedness tips or to schedule one of our free classes, visit us at www.viking6tactical.com or email viking6tactical@gmail.com. Stay safe and be prepared!

**Upcoming Classes at Viking 6 Tactical**

- **Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning**

- **Building Your Emergency Kits**

- **Home Defense Planning**

- **First Aid and Trauma Response**

Contact us today to prepare for the next storm or any emergency!