It’s Hurricane Season. Are You Prepared?

Here we are 2 weeks into the 2014 Atlantic Hurricane Season and you have to ask yourself.....are you prepared?

The problem is, each and every year we're told to prepare for a major storm and it hardly happens so naturally people can become a little complacent or gun shy about preparing for something that in all likelihood won't happen. However, as small of a chance there is that the crossroads takes a direct hit from a major storm, residents should not let their guard down. Weather is unpredictable and we should remain vigilant and ready for anything.

#1. Have a disaster readiness kit handy.

This includes batteries, flashlights, bottled water, non perishable food items, first aid kit, prescription medications and sanitary supplies. Just think about having enough for 5 days for each member of the family. Be prepared to be without power for about a week. Camping gear works good in this situation as well. Camping stove with propane, Disposable cups/plates etc. Also, keeping a small amount of cash on hand could prove beneficial if stores are open but cannot process credit card payments.

#2 Weather proof your house.

That means patch up any known leaks around windows or roofs. Even means bringing in loose items that can easily be blown away by high winds. And, if you're inclined to do so, people often board up their windows with plywood etc. Perhaps see if that generator in the garage is tuned up and ready for power outages.

#3 Don't forget your pets

Pets are particularly freaked out by storms. Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and most importantly please make sure they are microchipped and have an up to date ID tag in case you get separated. And please, for the love of God, if you evacuate please take your pet with you. I've heard so many stories where pet owners have evacuated and left their dog in the back yard. Yeah...DON'T DO THAT.

#4 Have a plan

If the storm is way too powerful for your comfort zone and you feel the need to evacuate please do so....wisely. Have a planned place to go whether it's a hotel room inland (many of which accept pets) or to a relative's house and have a planned route to get there. Don't get caught off guard (think I-45 between Houston and Dallas during Hurricane Rita). Know where you're going, how to get there and most importantly let someone else know where you will be. And do NOT return until emergency officials say it is safe to do so.

There you go. Only 4 steps to worry about before a Hurricane hits. Not that much right? If everyone would take the time out of their day to make sure they would know what to do in the off chance a big storm hits the Crossroads it would make the days leading up to the storm's landfall much less hectic and stressful. Many of these steps can be taken now...and should be.

Be safe this hurricane season!