Hurricane season is upon us which means it is time to start thinking about how you can prepare BEFORE the next storm is announced. Each year people tend to make the same common mistakes while hunkered down during a storm. Be aware of these common mistakes so you can STAY prepared this hurricane season the ELITE way!

Turning a Generator on Indoors

If you have a generator, kudos to you, but NEVER turn it on indoors. A portable generator should never be operated indoors – including under a portable garage, outside near a window, or roof overhang. The fumes from a generator’s gasoline create carbon monoxide, which is odorless and deadly. These fumes can result in death in just under five minutes when the carbon monoxide levels are too high.

a generator

Stockpiling

As a storm approaches, fear kicks in which causes many of us to act irrationally. While stockpiling is common before a hurricane approaches, the CDC recommends having a 3-day supply of food and water to get you through the storm. No, you don’t need to buy all of the bottled water in the store. Filling up reusable water bottles and containers at home with filtered tap water beforehand will do just fine.

corridor with empty shelves

Riding Out the Storm

Too many people choose to ride out hurricanes thinking they will move around their area. If you are in an area of mandatory evacuation, evacuate as local officials are implementing this course of action for your best interest. There is typically a time when you should and can evacuate safely, and use a route to safely evacuate. Before facing an evacuation threat, it is best to formulate an evacuation plan with your loved ones in case of an emergency.

a storm

Forgetting Pets

When you formulate your evacuation plan, don’t forget about any pets that you may have. One of the most common mistakes that people make is leaving their pets to fend for themselves during a hurricane. In many instances, public shelters don’t allow non-service animals inside during natural disasters. Creating an emergency pet emergency kit: food, copies of medical records, and any medication can help tremendously when evacuating.

a forgotten dog

Not Installing a Whole-Home Generator

A whole-home generator will relieve additional stress or anxiety that a hurricane may bring into your life. A generator will provide power and electricity to you and your loved ones in the event of a natural disaster. A whole-home generator will also guarantee that your nonperishable food items don’t go to waste. Not only do generators provide immediate relief and benefits for you, but they also increase the overall value of your home by 3-5%.