An Internet Entrepreneur’s Guide To Handling Hurricanes And Other Disasters

When we moved from Wisconsin to Florida nearly a decade ago, we knew the new risks we’d face.

We chose hurricanes over blizzards and knew the day would come where we would experience the difference between the two.

Sadly, that time came with the gigantic hurricane that just slowly rolled through Florida.

I just lived through Hurricane Irma.  It was scary, sweaty, and something I’ll never forget.

I was completely unable to work and if I’d been better prepared, that wouldn’t have been the case.

I’ve had power back for roughly 24 hours and wanted to explain the things that would have made it a far better experience for my family.

Follow these things so you don’t make the same mistakes I made when you face a situation like the one I just went through.

Get A Mobile Hotspot If Your Business Is 100% Internet Based.

I had one for many years, but felt silly for paying $50 per month for a few years.  I only used it twice.

Yet, I just went without power for 4 days and it would have given me the ability to get 1 or 2 hours worth of work in.

Instead, I used my trusted pen and paper to accomplish as much as possible while I was forced offline.

$600 per year is not a huge investment to ensure you can always work.

(Keep in mind that major disasters can knock over cellular towers and prevent you from using a hotspot)

Plan For Food For At Least 2 Weeks.

We spent a few hundred dollars on supplies.  Everything from flashlights, to batteries, and Pop Tarts.

If we hadn’t gotten power back quickly, we would have had to get to a grocery store to buy more food.  To understand why this is a problem, here is an image of what ALL grocery stores looked like for a few days following the hurricane:

You Need More Than What You Think You Need.

Yes, you’re going to want a metric ton of granola bars, as much canned food as you can shove into hidden corners, and more water than you will be able to carry.

It’s the things you haven’t thought of that will make the most impact on your ability to make it through a few days without power:

1. Battery powered lights – You’ll be surprised by how dark your house gets without all of the little lights electricity provides.  Buy a dozen battery powered lights.
2. Battery powered fans – If it’s hot outside, you’re going to want to be able to cool off.  Battery powered fans are difficult to find, but find them and buy at least one for every person in your house.
3. Large candles – If it’s hot outside, try not to use them.  If it’s cold, it’s a source of heat and light.
4. Spray bottles – Another way to cool down is to spray yourself with water.  It’s a lot less sticky than your sweat.
5. Multi-powered generator – The problem with disasters is that people freak out.  When they freak out, they run to get gas.  When the gas is gone, you won’t be able to turn on your generator.
6. A charcoal grill or an extra propane tank – You’re going to want hot food and drinkable water.  Your grill is about to become your best friend.

Your Car Is Your Only Source Of Electricity Until The Power Company Helps You.

The only thing that gave us the ability to keep our phones charged was the ability to charge them in the car.  If you don’t have the ability to do that right now, go buy whatever cords you need to be able to do it.

Don’t Wait Until You Need These Things.

We started preparing as soon as the weather guy mentioned a hurricane, but we should have had most of the things we needed before that happened.

Get as much water and supplies as you can comfortably store and hold onto it.  You may never need it, but you’ll be grateful if you’ve got it.

At TrafficForMe, we want to see you succeed in all things.  The more you prepare for the worst, the easier it is to enjoy the good times.