Do you know when hurricane season is?
In the United States, hurricane season typically lasts from June to November. However, hurricanes are most likely to occur in September.
Hurricane season will be here before we know it, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Outlined below are some tips to help you prepare for hurricane season 2022.
2022 Hurricane Season Predictions
Before diving into the specific steps you can take to prepare for upcoming hurricanes, let’s talk about some hurricane predictions that have already been made for the 2022 season.
Researchers have predicted that 2022 will present another “above-average” hurricane season. An “above-average” season features between 13 and 16 named storms, plus 6 to 8 hurricanes and 2 to 3 major hurricanes.
During the storm period in 2022, meteorologists predict a 40 percent chance that ocean temperatures in the North Atlantic will be higher than normal. Elevated temperatures contribute to harsher hurricane seasons.
Hurricane Season Prep Tips
Now that you know 2022’s hurricane season is going to be pretty intense, to say the least, it’s time to dive into what you can do to prepare. Listed below are some essential tips you can start implementing today:
Create a Detailed Plan
It’s not enough to just read through some preparation tips and hope for the best. You need to create a detailed plan and put everything in writing. Share the plan with your loved ones, too, so that everyone is on the same page.
Secure Your Home’s Exterior
Ahead of hurricane season, start taking steps to secure the exterior of your home. This includes trimming large trees and shrubs to prevent branches from breaking off and hitting your house (or other houses in the area).
You should also bring outdoor furniture inside, as well as outdoor toys, bikes, and potted plants. If you have outdoor sculptures or other types of decor that you can’t carry in, secure them with blankets tied down with rope.
Set Up Storm Shutters
If you don’t already have storm shutters in place, now is the time to do so. They will help to protect your windows and prevent them from breaking. You can also install impact-resistant glass if you prefer.
If the storm is approaching too quickly, nail pieces of plywood to the window frames. This isn’t as effective as storm shutters, but it’s better than no protection at all.
Move Cars
If you have a garage, make sure your cars are parked inside and the door is closed. If there is a window, cover it with plywood or storm shutters to reduce its chances of breaking.
For those who don’t have a garage, try to move cars to higher ground if possible. This will reduce the risk of them floating away if your street floods.
Power Up All Devices
The day before the storm is supposed to hit, take time to power up all your electronic devices. After all, you don’t want to find yourself without a way to communicate with the outside world if you lose power.
Consider investing in a Duracell Powersource portable power station, too. That way, you can recharge devices if you’re left without power for several days.
In addition to charging electronics, make sure your car has a full tank of gas. Get fuel for your generator as well and test it to ensure it’s working properly.
Unplug Appliances
Unplug small appliances and move them away from the windows.
As for large appliances like your refrigerator and freezer, leave them plugged in and turn them to the coldest setting possible. For up to two days, they can maintain food-preserving temperatures, so they can be left as they are for a little while.
Safely Store Essential Documents
Put all of your essential documents, including birth certificates, passports, marriage licenses, insurance documents, and financial documents, in a binder or folder.
Store that binder or folder in a safe place that is unlikely to be affected by water damage. A safety deposit box or a bolted safe is generally a good option.
Create an Emergency Kit
An emergency kit will come in handy whether you stay in your home or have to evacuate. In a bag or box, pack the following items:
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries
- Portable radio
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Blankets
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Cash
When it comes to things like cash, toiletries, non-perishable food, and water, make sure you have enough for at least a few days. You’ll need to sustain yourself and your loved ones while you get to a safe place or while you wait for your power to come back on.
Pick a Shelter Room
Finally, designate a shelter room in your house. Ideally, it will be a room in a central part of the house that doesn’t have any windows. If such a room doesn’t exist in your home, at least pick a place that doesn’t have any unprotected windows while you wait for the storm to pass.
Hurricane Season 2022 Safety Tips
If you live in a part of the world where hurricanes are common, it’s also important to know how to stay safe when they hit. When evacuation isn’t an option, you’ll need to do the following to protect yourself and your family:
- Use caution when navigating flooded areas
- Avoid driving through the storm
- Never drive through floodwater
- Store generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents
- Stay indoors and away from windows
If you receive guidance to evacuate the area, follow instructions and do so immediately. Only take essential items with you, and bring your pets if at all possible — don’t leave them behind.
Start Preparing for Hurricanes in 2022 Today
If you’ve never weathered (no pun intended) a hurricane season before, you might be feeling a little anxious about the storms that will be coming your way in a few months. Keep the information above about hurricane season 2022 in mind, though, and you’ll have an easy time preparing a hurricane season checklist and getting yourself, your family, and your home ready.
Do you want to learn more about weather-proofing your home for all seasons? Check out some of the other home improvement articles on our site today for more information.
