When it comes to hurricane preparedness, there are many things that you can do on a limited budget. Structural additions like roll shutters may not always be a feasible solution for a low-income family – even with financing options available for such purchases. However, there are still ways to enhance financial preparedness for hurricanes, such as creating an emergency savings fund, reviewing insurance coverage, and prioritizing essential supplies within your budget.
When a hurricane approaches, households across many Caribbean islands tend to go on a mad scramble to get supplies for their homes and themselves. In this article, we’ll look into some things you can do for cheap to prepare for the storm.
Buy a Crank Radio
Crank Radios are like conventional radios in every way except for the power source. As the name may suggest, crank radios are powered by turning a crankshaft, which charges a battery in the radio.
Conversely, there are also solar-powered radios on the market as well, but without a light source, these radios will stop working. It is important to get a radio that you’ve tested the speakers, reception, and rechargeable battery. Radios are important to have so you’ll be kept informed as to what is going on with the storm and if the all-clear has been given.
Stock Up on Sale Items
A popular hurricane preparedness tip is to stock up on canned goods and other non-perishable foodstuffs. However, you can buy the items you need over time and wait for them to go on sale. Overall, sometimes you can save anywhere between 10% and 40 % on some grocery items, and upwards of 25% on other items.
Plywood Sheets Vs. Storm Panels
Firstly, it should be stated that plywood sheets over your windows are simply not an effective method of protection. There is one way but that requires some special equipment, which for those on a budget usually isn’t possible for financial reasons.
Using masking tape or duct tape across your windows is equally not a good idea, because if they are impacted by flying debris, the window will still be broken but instead of shattering, larger pieces of glass will remain, which can cause serious injuries or even death to those inside the house.
If aluminum rollshutters, Bahama, or colonial shutters are not options, then we recommend using storm panels. Storm panels are made from extremely durable polycarbonate and represent the least expensive option of permanent shutter systems. Storm panels are removable, so they don’t alter the aesthetic of the property. The downside is that they often require assistance in putting them up and can take around 20 minutes per window or door. When not in use, storm panels require storage but can be stacked for efficiency in space.
Request Hurricane Preparedness Items as Gifts
With Christmas and birthdays coming every year, it makes sense to ask friends and family to offer some inexpensive items for financial preparedness for hurricanes as gifts. It might seem a little tacky but it will save you money in the long run.
