NEW YORK—After years of relatively quiet hurricane seasons, the catastrophic storms of 2017 unleashed an unexpected amount of devastation across the Caribbean and the U.S. Now, a year later, we’re back at the peak of hurricane season and there is nothing better than being prepared for the many situations that might arise in the wake of such a natural disaster.

The official 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season began on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2018, however peak season is from August to October. When preparing for a hurricane or dealing with the damage post-storm, there are many factors to consider from hunkering down or evacuating to stocking up on prescriptions and managing post-storm cleanup.

Even though the impact of this week’s Hurricane Florence is not yet known, it’s possible that there are people or businesses within the optical industry that are being affected right now by this powerful storm. We here at VMail Weekend are confident that our readers are concerned and stand ready to help those impacted by Hurricane Florence.

While Mother Nature can be unrelenting and just as unpredictable, it’s always good to have your bases covered. Here are some quick tips and links to keep in mind for Hurricane Season 2018.

One of the most important things when bracing for a storm is making a plan and buying necessary items. When planning for an impending hurricane, it’s best to think about the big picture. What will you need to prepare for before, during and after the storm? Along with getting your home ready, it’s important to factor in what the individuals at home might need whether its medication or dietary requirements. Don’t wait for a storm to start stocking up, the sooner the better since items tend to run out quickly during an emergency and there’s always the threat of price gauging. Be sure to:
  • Prepare an emergency water supply (at least 5 gallons of water per person).
  • Stock up on emergency food.
  • Replenish your first aid supply and fill all necessary prescriptions. Gather personal items (including important documents and identification).
While these are abbreviated points to take into consideration, take a look at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for a more detailed approach.

Along with these tips for preparation there’s also a slew of safety tips to think about when navigating a post-hurricane area as well as managing cleanup efforts. Prevent Blindness released these tips for eye safety preparation.

These include:
  • Wearing safety eyewear
  • Knowing how to handle an eye-related injury
  • Planning for your eye health (including having an extra pair of glasses, contact lenses and vision medication)
  • Knowing where to reach out to for vision area services

Additionally, you can access general safety tips from the CDC’s website here.