Hurricanes can result in the greatest destruction of property and life out of any weather-related disasters. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that between 1980 and 2024, hurricanes took 7,211 lives and caused $1.5 trillion in damages (with an average tally of $23 billion per storm). In 2024 alone, the Atlantic hurricane season was the third costliest of all time at $129.7 billion, with Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton two of the most prominent storms. Hurricane Katrina was one of four Category 5 hurricanes in 2005, devastating the Gulf Coast, and taking almost 3,500 lives. That hurricane season was also the second costliest on record at $171.7 billion. And 2017 was the highest at $294.8 billion, with two Category 5 storms, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
Tens of thousands of people are typically evacuated during these storms; and many return to find their homes demolished. Preparing before a hurricane can make all the difference in weathering the storm — and recovering following it. Ready.gov and FEMA.gov, are online resources within the United States with an abundance of information to brace for hurricanes. See just a few preparedness tips below:
- • Keep a minimum of three days’ worth of nonperishable, shelf-stable food items and bottled water for each person in your family, as well as your pets. Disposable cups, dishes, and utensils are also a good idea if washing dishes isn’t an option.
- • Stocking up on personal and household sanitation supplies is also a smart idea, including alcohol-based hand sanitizer, soaps, liquid detergents, toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant cleaners, and heavy-duty garbage bags.
- • Have several days of clean clothes and linens on hand prior to the storm, in case the power goes out and if the water is contaminated.
- • Store important paperwork in a waterproof, secure container, with some virtually impossible to replace, like birth certificates, passports, legal documents, home ownership documents, vehicle titles, and insurance policy documentation. If you must evacuate, it is additionally ideal to bring these items with you. You may also like to bring along other irreplaceable items, like valuable jewelry.
- • A first aid kit comes in handy for every injury, including cuts, scrapes, sprains, and insect bites.
- • Prescription medications should be refilled before the storm, especially for those in your family who take a daily prescription. Have occasional-use products like pain relievers, antihistamines, and asthma inhalers, stocked and ready to go too.
- • An emergency radio is another option to receive warnings and updates from NOAA. You should also sign up with government agencies for text alerts with messages about the weather, as well as information about emergency shelter, evacuation routes, and more.
When a hurricane threatens your area, it is additionally important to prepare well in advance to safeguard your electronics. Choose appropriate surge protectors to defend computers and similar equipment from voltage spikes. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system system is another way to keep valuable electronic gear temporarily powered, if the power goes out, until it can be safely shut down.
As the storm approaches, it is not uncommon to experience power outages. After the storm passes, you may find electricity is not available for hours, days, or even weeks in some cases. A flashlight is essential, with compact and sturdy illumination from Klein Tools® available at CableOrganizer®. Choose from the Tradesman Pro™ with a swivel hook and magnet for hands-free use, waterproof worklight, slide focus flashlight with spotlight and flood light options, and LED cap visor light.
Living without electric power is challenging, but if you are prepared with a generator, you don't have to suffer through dark nights without refrigeration for your food supplies. Make sure if you have a generator to keep compatible engine oil, fuel stabilizer, an air filter and spark plug, if they are needed for your generator. Your generator should stay covered when it’s not in use. You will also need to have extension cords, and CableOrganizer® has weather-resistant outdoor extension cords. These neon cords have an indicator light that is easier to see in stormy conditions, so you know when the power is connected. They additionally offer weather-resistant features to withstand inclement conditions.
When using a power generator, be sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by the generator manufacturer, as its engine fumes must be safely vented away from your home and your family, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Braided sleeving like Techflex® F6® standard wrap-around sleeving is one way to protect and arrange cable runs, such as those leading from your generator.
You can also organize temporary cords and cables with VELCRO® One-Wrap® Cable Wraps, then undo them just as easily.
Cable ID ties can identify wires, which helps for quick connections and disconnections.
Weatherproof outlet covers work for new and existing construction to keep outdoor connections defended from the elements.
Should you need to charge your cell phone or other devices during the storm, including from your vehicle, you can turn to CableOrganizer® for chargers and charging stations.
Shop for even more products here at CableOrganizer®, to remain at the ready, should a hurricane strike.
