(WTXL) — When evacuation orders are issued ahead of a storm, it’s best to follow what emergency managers are telling you. For some, driving away from danger is not an option.
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how to create a safe room where you live.
Creating a safe room in your home can help you survive a hurricane if you cannot evacuate. The main thing is to prepare in advance.
First, you want to designate a space in your home as a safe room. Leon County Emergency Management Director Kevin Peters said a windowless bathroom is a good start.
“A place where you can gather with you and your family away from the outside effects of high winds and carry a disaster kit,” Peters said.
The space should be in the center of your home, away from exterior doors and windows. A closet or hallway will also work, and make sure they are stocked.
“I like to start now. When I go to the grocery store, I start stocking up a little here and there,” Robbie Berg said.
Berg is the chief hurricane specialist at the National Hurricane Center. You may already have many of the things he suggests for a safe room.
To make your space more comfortable, you should make sure you have towels, pillows and blankets. Also pick up some games or puzzles to entertain your kids and pass the time.
In case you lose energy, you want to make sure you have enough non-perishable food and snacks for five days and one gallon of water per person per day. Make sure you have flashlights handy and don’t forget extra batteries.
Don’t forget a storm radio so you can get updates from officials and a power bank to keep your devices charged.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a first aid kit and a few Ziploc bags to keep any important documents, money and cell phones dry.
Berg said don’t wait until you’re in a danger zone to start preparing.
“Doing this over a long period of time so that once hurricane season starts, when a storm forms and starts to threaten, I’m ready to go,” Berg said.
Until then, put all your belongings in a water-safe storage container until you need them. Here are just a few simple steps you can take now to be prepared this hurricane season.
