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Preparing for Hurricane Season

By Joyce Campbell, Macaroni KID Cranston-Kent RI Publisher July 5, 2024

Living in Rhode Island, also known as the Ocean State, comes with unique experiences and challenges.  One of those challenges is Hurricane Season.  From June 1 till November 30 we have a chance of having hurricanes hit our coastline. Having lived by the water my entire life, I have had to "hunkered" down many times, yet each time I have become more prepared and ready should the "Big One" hit.  From gathering supplies to handle the loss of power, to packing go-to bags for the family and pets, getting prepared is something we all need to do.




With over 400 miles of coastline, we are bound to get some kind of a storm hitting our shores, and it's best to be prepared. I decided I didn't want my prep to be scary to the kids, so I included them in the packing.   When my kiddos were much younger, we would have a "camp night" in the living room after hurricane season and enjoyed the treats packed in our evacuation bag while watching a movie.    Here are a few tips to help plan.  
Please note, this list is to be done prior to a storm hitting.

  1. Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and updates from local authorities through radio, TV, or official websites/apps.
  2. Create a Plan: Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes (see Rhode Island's below), meeting points, and communication methods.
  3. Secure Your Home:
    • Trim trees and shrubs around your property.
    • Secure/bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and any loose items indoors.
    • Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
    • Reinforce garage doors.
  4. Stock Up on Supplies: Have enough non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day), medications, and essential items for several days. Include a flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, and a portable radio.
  5. Fuel Up: Fill your car's gas tank ahead of time.
  6. Protect Important Documents: Store copies of important documents (insurance policies, IDs, medical records) in a waterproof container or digitally backed up.
  7. Stay Connected: Charge your cell phone and other devices. Consider a portable charger or backup batteries.
  8. Know Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and shelters in your area. Follow evacuation orders if issued.
  9. Stay Indoors During the Storm: Stay away from windows and doors. 
  10. After the Storm: Wait for authorities to declare it safe before going outside. Avoid flooded areas and downed power lines.

These steps can help you stay safe and minimize damage during a hurricane.

You can view the evacuation routes and
the recommended checklist guide here on the
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, Emergency Management Agency website.





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