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Hurricane Matthew is potentially disastrous, and its unstoppable!
The easiest way to escape hurricane Matthew is to leave the evacuation zone in Florida as soon as possible. The hurricane is currently rated a Category 4 storm and the wind is sweeping aggressively at a speed of at least 4 miles per hour.
The governor of the state of Florida, Rick Scott, has warned about 1.5 million people in the evacuation zone to leave immediately. Many people have left already, some are leaving as I’m writing this piece and some will decide to leave before I finish writing.
If you’re in the evacuation zone in Florida and you’re reading this right now, I’ll suggest you leave immediately.
But what happens to those who are caught up in the storm? You’ll have to do your best to stay alive before you’re rescued or until the storm is over.
Hurricane Matthew Survival Tips
You’ll need food and water (like never before)
Make sure you stock up non-perishable food and water. You need the food and water to stay strong throughout the storm. If you’re with your family, make sure you keep at least one gallon of water for each member of your family.
Stock up as many canned food items as you can and keep a manual canned food opener just in case electricity is down as a result of the storm. Don’t eat too much and don’t eat too little. Eat enough to stay strong and healthy.
Get set for life without power supply
Chances are, hurricane Matthew will be strong enough to cut power supply across the evacuation zone. If that happens, you shouldn’t be caught unaware.
If you have more than one mobile phone battery, charge both of them now while you can. If you have a portable radio that run on batteries, you need it now more than ever.
Without power supply, you won’t be able to watch TV to keep up with weather update, and once your phone battery is flat, keep the device in a safe place. But the radio will be absolutely useful.
If you intend to use a generator, keep it at a safe distance from your home. The last thing you want to see is a generator flying across your living room in the middle of a storm.
Plan your escape (Don’t try to be a hero)
If at a point hurricane Matthew damaged a crucial part of your home, you may be forced to move on. So make sure you have a very good plan before that happens.
While you still have the time, pack up a bag and get ready to go, just in case you have to leave your home in a hurry. Make sure you pack your most important documents, first aid kit, food, water and cash.
If you intend to flee with a personal vehicle, make sure you have a full tank or enough gas to take you to the nearest safe location.
Don’t underestimate hurricane Matthew until its finally over
If your home is still safe, don’t make any unnecessary attempt to leave until the authorities give the all clear. At a point, the weather may seem calm and steady, don’t stand by windows either locked or open and stay away from doors.
The storm may sweep all over again and catch you off guard. So stay alert, stay indoor, and play it safe.
Protect your property if you can
Trees and shrubs can cause damage to your home during the storm. If its still safe for you to do so, cut of tree branches and trim shrubs in your landscape. If you have permanent storm shutters, don’t hesitate to use them. If you don’t have any, board up your windows with plywood.
Don’t overlook items in your basement. Elevate the items in your basement off of the floor to prevent damage as a result of flooding. And don’t hesitate to call for help even at the least opportunity.
For full details of how to prepare for any hurricane, visit the official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
Stay safe! You can use our moving cost calculator for moving cost estimates and get instant moving cost estimates.
