Three Hurricane Safety Tips If You Live In An Apartment

Hurricane season runs from June to November so it’s not unusual to see news programs reminding people to prepare themselves well in advance of the storm. Unfortunately, many don’t heed that advice. People who live in apartment complexes face the same dangers as everyone else, so organizing documents and building an emergency survival kit ahead of the storm will help you deal with everything you’ll have to face – before, during, and after the storm.  

Get a Waterproof/Fireproof Lock Box for Critical Documents

Hurricanes pose life-threatening dangers to the people they affect. Whether you’re in the direct path of the eye of the storm or you’re somewhere where you’ll feel the impact of the outer bands, it’s vital that you gather documents and put them in a safe, easily accessible place so you can grab them after the storm. Put the following documents in your secure box: 

• Your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy (if you own a condo.) 
• Health insurance information 
• List of emergency contacts – including all of your insurance providers, family members, close friends, medical providers, pharmacy, employer, school, and anything else you think you’ll need
• A copy of your car registration papers and proof of automobile insurance
• A copy of your driver’s license or other identification for yourself and anyone else in your household

Create an Emergency Readiness Kit 

Don’t wait until the last minute to build an emergency readiness kit. Be sure you have plenty of batteries, LED lanterns and flashlights, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Buy food items that you won’t have to refrigerate because you may be without power for several days. Have enough food and emergency supplies on hand to make it through 7 days. 

Be Prepared for Extended Power Outages

Fill your refrigerator and freezer with bags of ice to keep the contents cold for at least a couple of days. Make sure that you have fully charged back up cell phone chargers in case you need to recharge your cellphone. If your community emergency awareness agency advises you of the potential for flooding, turn off gas and electricity to prevent the possibility of fire. 

Preparing your apartment in advance of a hurricane will help you deal with anxiety and fear that everyone feels in anticipating a hurricane’s landfall.