People who live in hurricane-prone areas should consider preparing their homes and families for hurricane weather in case a large storm hits. It might seem reactionary to go through a lot of preparation just in case, but all that preparation will be worth the effort when the hurricane-force winds come. 

Ongoing Preparation

Consider installing hurricane windows in your home, such as from A Christian Glass & Mirror. Hurricane windows operate similarly to car windows in an accident. When something impacts the hurricane windows, they shatter, but stay in place to prevent flying glass from entering a home and potentially injuring people. During a hurricane, branches, pieces of other homes or anything that wasn't secured can start to fly around, and one of those things could easily smash into a window. It's also a good idea to be mindful of the condition of trees on your property. Remove limbs that hang over a roof or near a window or powerline to prevent damage from trees during a hurricane. It also is a good idea to remove diseased limbs or dead or dying trees. These weak limbs or trees easily can be blown over when subjected to hurricane-force winds. 

Create a Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Fill a large plastic bin with enough supplies to get your family through a few days without power. Include in your kit flashlights and batteries, a battery-operated or handcrank radio, a first-aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food items. Peanut butter and jelly, crackers, canned meat, dried fruit, nuts and protein bars are all good options. Put this bin in a place where someone in your family can get to it quickly.

In an Emergency

When a hurricane is predicted, make sure there is nothing outside that can get blown around. Tether everything to the ground or secure items in a garage or in the house. Fill one car with gas and fill the bathtub with water. Put important documents, like passports, birth and marriage certificates, and social security cards, in a waterproof container. Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting to protect food in case of a power outage. It's also a good idea to have a cooler on hand where you can put perishable foods and reduce the number of times you have to open the refrigerator and freezer doors. If you live in an area prone to flooding, keep an ax in the attic in case you're forced upstairs by rising waters and get caught in the attic.