Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 each year and can bring with it significant damage to infrastructure. On average, six hurricanes and about a dozen tropical storms hit U.S. coastlines every year and head inland.

According to the National Weather Service, hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property. Their storm surge, tropical cyclones, high winds, tornadoes and flooding can cause devastating damage while delaying the ability of emergency service workers to respond to overwhelmed neighborhoods.

In times of crisis, you need to be prepared. For hurricane preparedness, your emergency planning needs to start well before the storm hits.

During hurricane season, staying connected to updated weather forecasts is vital. Things can shift quickly with hurricanes, so you need to stay informed and stay in touch with loved ones.

Stay Connected During Emergencies 

Having a reliable internet connection is crucial during hurricane emergencies. Power outages can disrupt traditional internet services for days — or weeks — leaving you disconnected from vital information and communication channels.

Invest in a portable internet device or a backup internet that operates independently of power lines. This ensures you stay online even when the electricity goes out, allowing you to access emergency alerts and weather updates, and communicate with loved ones. 

Will Mobile Hotspots Keep You Connected During a Hurricane?

Don’t rely on mobile hotspots during a hurricane. Mobile hotspots are notoriously unreliable during an emergency. Power and services go down frequently and network congestion can slow your speeds down to make them nearly unusable.

With portable internet, you can stay connected on the go, whether you’re evacuating or seeking shelter. Remote connectivity is especially valuable if you need to work or keep your business operations running during the storm. 

Access Critical Information Anywhere  

Hurricanes can force evacuations and disrupt even the best travel plans. Portable Internet solutions that work on Wi-Fi internet can be a lifeline in these situations.

Portable internet lets you access emergency information, maps and evacuation routes from anywhere — even when you are on the move or in remote locations. This lets you keep up-to-date on the storm’s changing path, intensity and potential impact, and access authoritative weather websites and apps even when traditional internet services are down. 

Prepare Your Emergency Kit 

After an emergency, extensive damage may prevent emergency crews from getting to you quickly. You may need to survive on your own for several days.

An emergency kit can be a literal lifesaver. What emergency supplies should you have for hurricane season? Here are some of the key items to include, according to Ready.gov:

• Water and non-perishable food for several days
• Extra cell phone battery or charger
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts
• Extra batteries
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps showing evacuation routes during hurricanes

When storms are approaching, you should also make sure you have fully charged portable internet devices or wireless backup systems, along with extra batteries or power banks. Keep contact information readily available for emergency services, insurance carriers, and family members that can be accessed through your portable internet connection.

What Emergency Supplies Should I Have for Hurricane Season?

Beyond your basic kit and emergency communication, hurricane preparedness should include other items. You don’t want to have to search for crucial items when you should be sheltering in place.

• Canned food
• Prescription medications
• Cash
• Changes of clothing
• Fire extinguisher
• Feminine products
• Pet food and supplies
• Paper plates, cups, utensils, and paper towels
• Activities for children
• Infant formula and diapers
• Matches

Being prepared ahead of a hurricane will make a big difference in riding out the storm and its aftermath. Take the time to gather the items you need, and have a plan ready to survive hurricane season. 

Evacuate or Shelter in Place?

One of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to evacuate or shelter safely at home. Here are a few tips to help you make that decision from the Red Cross.

In either case, emergency communication is essential. If you are sheltering in place, you will need access to the latest news and information, rescue operations, and when it’s safe to go outside again. If you are evacuating, you will need up-to-date information on evacuation routes, traffic congestion, available accommodations, when it’s safe to return home, and more.

And, you have to be able to connect to reliable emergency information even when your cell phone stops working, there are power outages, or you are on the move.

Don’t Get Caught in the Dark

Don’t get caught in the dark when disaster strikes. By incorporating Portable Internet and Wireless Backup solutions into your hurricane preparedness plan, you can stay connected, informed, and safe during these storms — no matter where you are.

Connect with Redzone Wireless today.