It's not a question of if a hurricane will hit your town, but when. And when it does, you'll be glad you have the proper equipment to weather the storm. During hurricane season, it's important to equip yourself with the necessary heavy-duty equipment that will give you an edge in the race against time.
Hurricane Preparedness
In the US alone, On average, the Atlantic hurricane season sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes over a 30-year climate period from 1991 to 2020. The strongest hurricane that hit the US in the last decades was Hurricane Katrina, which killed more than 1,200 people and caused an estimated $125 billion of damage. So it's important to be prepared with the right equipment prior to a hurricane, even if you think it won't hit your area.
Disaster hits when you least expect it, so it’s important to keep the following 10 pieces of heavy-duty equipment on hand to be prepared for hurricane season.
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Portable Generator
Having a generator on hand is essential for powering your home during a hurricane. Generators can power lights, water pumps, and other essential items during a power outage. Make sure to have enough fuel on hand for your generator in advance of the storm. In addition, be sure to properly ventilate the generator to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Portable sump pump
A portable sump pump is essential for keeping water out of your home during a hurricane. These pumps are used to remove excess water and can be placed in locations where flooding is most likely to occur. Make sure it’s well maintained and in good working order before hurricane season. Test it out ahead of time and make sure it has enough power to be able to handle heavy flooding.
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Chainsaw
Cutting through fallen trees or branches can help clear pathways safely and efficiently. Be sure to wear protective gear while operating the chainsaw, and take regular breaks, so you don’t overexert yourself. Store your chainsaw in a dry area and check it for any issues before the storm.
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Heavy-duty shovel
Having a heavy-duty shovel on hand is essential for digging trenches and clearing debris quickly. Make sure to use gloves while operating the shovel so you don’t injure your hands from exposure to sharp objects or cuts from broken glass or nails.
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Pressure Washer
Power washers are a great way to quickly remove mud and debris from your house, garage, or other areas of your property during a natural disaster. When picking a pressure washer, make sure it is rated for outdoor use and can handle the pressure of cleaning up after a hurricane.
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Battery-operated radio
It’s important to stay informed in case of an emergency during a hurricane. A battery operated radio will help you keep track of weather reports, evacuation instructions, and other vital information. Make sure to also have enough batteries on hand in advance of the storm.
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Waterproof containers for documents and valuables
In the event of a hurricane, it’s crucial to protect important documents and valuables by keeping them in waterproof containers. Choose containers that are airtight and will be able to stand up against water damage. These containers can also be used to store at least one month supply of food and other essential items.
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Heavy-duty Flashlight
Having a flashlight on hand is essential for navigating around your home in the dark during a power outage. Be sure to invest in a heavy-duty flashlight that is waterproof and will last for long periods of time. Prepare at least two flashlights in the event of a power outage.
Aside from flashlights, you can also prepare an emergency light source such as a lantern. This will help recovery services to locate you in case of an emergency during a hurricane.
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Ax or crowbar
Having an ax or crowbar on hand will help you quickly remove debris and clear pathways in case there is structural damage blocking your way. Invest in a lightweight ax or crowbar that is easy to carry and use for quick clearing of debris during an emergency.
Be sure to store the ox or crowbar in a safe place and make sure it’s well maintained before hurricane season.
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Fire extinguisher
Since there are high winds during a hurricane, it’s important to have the proper equipment on hand in case of a fire emergency. Fire extinguishers can help you quickly put out any fires that may start once the storm hits. Invest in an ABC type fire extinguisher and make sure you know how to properly use it before the storm arrives. Better yet, teach your family members as well on how to use it so as to be prepared for any eventuality.
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Ladder
Having a ladder on hand can help you access hard-to-reach areas during a natural disaster. Make sure your ladder is stable and doesn’t have any broken or missing rungs or pieces. You should also ensure that the person using it has been trained in ladder safety prior to using it.
If you're living in a building, make sure you also have an emergency ladder in case you need to quickly evacuate your home. Once the storm has passed, you'll be able to use your ladder for cleanup and repairs.
Heavy Equipment for Construction or Job Sites
During a natural disaster, construction and job sites are some of the areas that are at risk of significant damage, which is why it is imperative for these sites to have heavy equipment on hand that will help minimize damage in the event of a storm. Here are some pieces of heavy-duty equipment that should be on hand at construction sites or job sites prior to hurricanes:
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Backhoes
Backhoes are powerful pieces of machinery that can help move and lift large objects such as debris or downed trees. They can also be used to dig trenches for water drainage in the event of flooding.
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Excavators
Excavators are versatile machines that can quickly move large amounts of dirt or other material from one area to another. They can be used to clear debris and remove large objects from an area in order for the necessary repairs to take place.
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Forklifts
Forklifts can help lift and move heavy items that have been damaged during a hurricane. While forklifts are typically used on construction sites, they can also come in handy when dealing with the aftermath of a natural disaster.
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Loaders
Loaders are useful pieces of machinery as they can quickly move dirt or debris from one location to another. This is especially helpful if there is standing water or mudslides in your area.
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Skid Steer Loaders
Skid steer loaders are heavy-duty machines that can help you lift, move, and transport large debris from one area to another. They have a wide range of applications, including breaking up pavement and moving large rocks or logs away from buildings or any other affected establishments.
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Dump Trucks
Dump trucks are great for hauling away debris from a construction site or job site in the event of a hurricane. Investing in a heavy-duty dump truck will help you quickly clear an area so recovery services can quickly move in and begin repairs.
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Pumps
In the event of flooding or standing water, pumps can help quickly remove excess water from an area. Invest in a quality pump that is capable of moving large amounts of water in a short amount of time so that you can quickly begin the cleanup process.
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Crane Lifts
Crane lifts are especially helpful when dealing with heavy debris or damaged buildings that need to be taken apart for repairs. Invest in a quality crane lift that can help you quickly remove damaged sections of a building or haul away large objects from an area.
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Industrial Generators
Power outages are to be expected during a hurricane, so having a generator on hand is essential. Especially for a business or a building structure where you rely on electricity for certain operations. Ensure that the entire building has a good supply of fuel prior to a hurricane to ensure that you are able to keep your important operations running and everybody in the building is safe.
Preparing for a Natural Disaster During Hurricane Season
Hurricane preparedness is a must because natural disasters like these are no joke and can be extremely damaging to your home or business. This is why aside from having the necessary heavy equipment, make sure to also have sandbags, tarps, and other emergency supplies to help minimize damage from the storm. A first aid kit, leather work gloves, and other safety gears should also be on hand for additional protection.
All in all, it is important to stay on top of hurricane preparation by investing in quality heavy equipment and having the essential supplies ready prior to a storm. This will help ensure that you and your property remain safe and secure during hurricanes.
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