For $8300, a man purchased 400 feet of plastic to wrap his house

Almost nothing is safe from the destruction caused by natural disasters. Storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can lead to massive damages costing millions.

Usually, our choices are limited when nature acts up: we can flee or try hard to protect our belongings.

Randy Wagner from Texas did just that during the hurricane season. He spent about $8,300 on a 400-foot plastic barrier to safeguard his home against floods.

Many people he knew thought this was a foolish waste of money. They mocked the idea of spending so much on plastic and the effort it took to set it up.

Yet, Randy’s decision to shield his home seemed silly to them. Despite this, he constructed a 400-foot barrier around his property to block the water. His investment of $8,300 saved him from potentially spending $15,000 on repairs.

Like Randy, knowing how to protect yourself when a hurricane approaches is crucial. These tips can be useful.

Stay alert to your environment and learn the best evacuation paths before you need to leave. Also, plan your safe location and pack an emergency kit with essentials like a flashlight, batteries, cash, basic first aid items, and medications.

You should never find yourself ordered to evacuate and not have a plan to stay safe. If you remain and there’s no evacuation order, stock up on supplies for several days in case you lose access to water or power. Consider what communication plans your family or community has in place for emergencies.

These websites provide information about local emergency communications services.

Preparing Your House

You should work to defend your home from storms to minimize damage. Before the hurricane season, trim any nearby tree branches that could fall and harm adjacent properties due to strong winds.

Clear any debris and unclog gutters to prepare for extra incoming water. Reinforce your doors, windows, and roof to withstand severe weather.

Prepare for potential power outages by installing or buying a portable generator. If possible, build a “FEME safe room” or an “ICC 500 storm shelter” above flood levels to protect against strong winds.

If you’re not evacuating, inform your contacts about your whereabouts. Avoid driving during a storm.

If you stay home during a hurricane, close all windows and storm shutters and stay away from them to avoid injuries from broken glass.

Set your refrigerator to the coldest setting to keep food fresh longer in case of a power outage. Listen closely to emergency updates and weather reports.

What to do when a hurricane is 36 hours away?

Turn on your TV or other devices to keep up with the latest weather and emergency instructions. Pack your emergency kit with all essentials in the right amounts. Establish a reliable means of communication, preferably through text or email instead of calls.

Review your evacuation plan with your family again. Make sure your car is ready in case you need to leave quickly.

What to do when a hurricane is 18 to 36 hours away?

Bookmark your city’s website for easy access to weather updates, emergency notifications, and travel advice. Secure or bring inside light outdoor items like trash cans and patio furniture. Secure dangerous items, like gas tanks, outside. Ensure all windows are firmly shut. You might consider boarding them up.

What to do when a hurricane is six to eighteen hours away?

Keep your radio and TV on to receive the latest updates. Check the weather website every 30 minutes. Storms can change direction quickly. Also, make sure all phones are fully charged in case you lose power.

After a hurricane?

Stay updated and check on your family’s safety. Don’t return home until it’s safe.

Avoid traveling by car or on foot through floodwaters as they might be dangerous and hide hazards like unstable ground or washed-away areas.

Downed power lines could electrify the water. Document any property damage for insurance purposes.

Let’s pray for those affected by recent hurricanes and for the families who lost loved ones. Always be cautious—it’s better than regretting later.