Safety tips: Staying safe in your home during hurricane season |

With the 2009 hurricane season predicted to be a busy one, it’s more important than ever to review proven safety tips to ensure safety throughout the season. By adhering to the following guidelines, you’ll be able to keep you and your loved ones safe throughout the season.

Safety tip number one: Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Since hurricane season officially begins in June, May is the time to take stock of needed supplies. Of all the hurricane season safety tips, this is the most important.

Stock up on batteries. During hurricane season, power outages are common. Often, the only source of contact with the outside world is through a battery powered radio. Likewise, the only light source available is a flashlight or battery operated lantern. Make sure to purchase plenty of extra batteries. The hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005 left millions of residents without power for several weeks, so prepare accordingly.

Safety tip number two: Have plenty of bottled water. Due to excess flooding and other issues during hurricane season, drinking water is often deemed unsafe for consumption for extended periods of time. Dehydration is a serious danger during hurricane season, particularly since power outages mean a lack of air conditioning or other means for cooling off. Having plenty of bottled water around is a safety tip that can literally save your life.

Safety tip number three: In addition to water shortages, food shortages are a real concern during hurricane season. Power outages cause spoilage not only in residential refrigerators and freezers, but in grocery store refrigerators and freezers as well. Have plenty of nonperishable food items available. If you have a grill, make sure to stock up on propane or charcoal before hurricane season, as this may be your only source of cooking.

Safety tip number four: Protect your home. In addition to hurricane force winds, hurricane season is known for producing record numbers of tornados. To prevent damage from flying debris, store items such as lawn chairs and garbage cans. If custom-made hurricane shutters are not in the budget, measure and cut plywood coverings for each of your windows. These may be bolted on through the wood, stucco, or brick of your home, or special clips, designed to grip the window and hold the plywood in place, may be purchased at your local home improvement store.

Safety tip number five: Fill automobiles up with gasoline before the hurricane hits. Often, gas stations are closed and gas supplies are low during active hurricane seasons. Those relying on generators for power will also want to have gasoline available, but be warned: fumes from generators are deadly. Inhalation of fumes from the use of generators causes deaths every hurricane season. Use generators only in open, well-ventilated areas.

Safety tip number six: Listen to local news and officials. If advised to evacuate, do so. If advised to sit tight, take shelter in a basement or central location of the structure. Have available blankets, mattresses, and pillows for protective covering in the case of structural damage.

Hurricane season can be a frightening time, but by following these six hurricane safety tips, you’ll be prepared to weather the storms safely and securely.