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With the memory of Sandy still fresh in many people's minds, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting an active or extremely active hurricane season for 2013. We could see 13 to 20 named storms, including 3 to 6 major hurricanes with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. Here are six ways to weather the season.
Get a generator. Power loss is one of the most widespread problems during a hurricane, according to a Consumer Reports Hurricane Sandy Survey of our subscribers living in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York. You're better off with a stationary generator than a portable one, since you won't have to worry about scrambling for gasoline. We recommend two stationary models, the Kohler 8.5 RES-QS7, $3,200, and the Generac CorePower 5837, $1,800, which we named a CR Best Buy. See our generator buying guide for more details, including recommendations of portable models.
Buy a chain saw. These can let you whizz through fallen branches in minutes, rather than hours. Based on our chain saw tests, gas-powered models tend to cut fastest and begin at about $100. But their two-stroke engines require regular maintenance and a ready supply of mixed gas and oil. Electric saws cost as little as $50 and are easier to start and maintain. But plug-ins require a generator when the power's out--and cordless bettery models offer limited run time between charges. Either way, following the key safety steps in our buying guide will help you avoid being among the tens of thousands injured by saws each year.
Pack a storm preparedness kit. Federal authorities recommend a basic kit that last three days. Tailor yours to your family's needs. Essentials include one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food and a manual can opener; a battery-powered or hand crank radio; flashlight with extra batteries; first aid kit; whistle to signal for help; filter masks; moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation; and a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
Review your insurance. Flood insurance is often worth buying even if you don't live next to water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes that more than 20 percent of flood claims originate in areas deemed "moderate" or "low" risk. Coverage for a "low risk" dwelling can cost as little as $129 a year. Get an estimate of your premium at the FloodSmart.gov website. Note that premiums are expected to rise in some areas because of changes to the way the National Flood Insurance Program is run.
Check the phone lines. If you're prone to power failures, it's worth having the lowest-cost phone-company landline service, in addition to a cable phone bundled with TV and Internet service. Based on the experiences of our survey respondents, phone-company service is more likely to work during a power outage--critical if you have an urgent need for a working landline, such as tending to a sick family member. Keep a corded phone handy, since cordless phones could become useless during a blackout. As for your cell phone, remember to charge it up before a storm, and consider buying an extra battery.
Create a car checklist. Rule number one is that you should never drive in a storm. Ever. But there are things to do before the bad weather hits, so that you'll be mobile after the storm passes. That includes filling the gas tank, installing new windshield wipers, checking the tire pressure, parking on elevated ground, and keeping a phone charger in the glove compartment. See our complete list of hurricane car survival tips.
