After the Storm: Post-Hurricane Recovery and Lessons Learned

As the winds die down and the rain subsides, you might feel a wave of relief now that the hurricane has passed. But the hours and days following a hurricane are critical for ensuring your safety, assessing the damage, and preparing for the future. At Viking 6 Tactical, we believe the time after the storm is just as important as the time before, especially when it comes to learning from your experience and fine-tuning your preparations. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to take once the hurricane has passed.

1. Conduct an Internal Evaluation of Your Preparations

One of the most valuable things you can do after a hurricane is to perform an honest evaluation of how well you prepared. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of a storm, but taking the time to review your preparations will help you improve for the next one.

List All the Shortfalls: Write down everything that didn’t go as planned. Did you run out of certain supplies? Was your communication plan insufficient? Did you lose power sooner than expected? If you don’t make a list, it’s easy to forget what went wrong and repeat the same mistakes next time.
What Would You Do Differently? For each shortfall, think about how you could improve. Should you buy more batteries, invest in better coolers, or stockpile more food and water? Write down these adjustments now while the experience is fresh in your mind.
Update Your Emergency Plans: Use this opportunity to update your emergency plans, including your family’s communication strategy, evacuation routes, and kit contents. Consider making a checklist that you can follow for the next storm to ensure you’re better prepared.

2. Be Cautious of Debris and Electrical Hazards

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the environment around your home can be dangerous. Follow these safety tips as you begin your assessment and cleanup.

Watch for Electrical Hazards: Downed power lines and damaged electrical systems pose serious risks. Do not touch or attempt to move power lines and report them to your local utility company immediately. Avoid standing water that could be electrified.
Clear Debris Carefully: Fallen branches, broken glass, and other debris can cause injuries. Wear sturdy boots, gloves, and long sleeves when cleaning up your property to protect yourself from sharp objects and hazardous materials.
Inspect Your Home for Structural Damage: Look for cracks, leaks, or other damage to your home’s foundation, roof, and walls. If you notice anything concerning, contact a professional before attempting repairs yourself.

3. Take the Batteries Out of Stored Devices

Once the immediate recovery period has passed, it’s time to put your emergency items away. But before you do, take a few simple steps to ensure they’ll be ready for the next storm.

Remove Batteries from Devices: Batteries left in flashlights, radios, and other electronics can corrode over time, rendering the devices useless when you need them most. Remove all batteries and store them separately to extend their lifespan.
Check for Any Damage: Inspect your equipment for signs of wear or damage. If anything was damaged during the storm, repair or replace it before storing it away.

4. Organize and Store Your Emergency Gear

When a hurricane strikes, you don’t want to be scrambling around your home looking for flashlights or radios. Organizing your emergency supplies now will save time and reduce stress during the next storm.

Place Items in a Central Location: Designate a specific place in your home, such as a closet or garage shelf, where you can store all of your emergency gear. Keep everything together so it’s easy to find and access during an emergency.
Use Bins for Easy Storage: Plastic bins with lids are great for storing smaller items like batteries, flashlights, radios, and first aid supplies. Label the bins clearly so you can quickly grab what you need.
Inspect and Rotate Supplies Regularly: Make it a habit to check your emergency gear every few months. Replace expired food, rotate water supplies, and test electronics to make sure they’re working. This routine maintenance ensures that your supplies are always ready.

5. Reassess Your Emergency Supplies

The aftermath of a hurricane is an ideal time to restock and upgrade your emergency supplies. Based on your evaluation, consider adding or replacing the following items:

Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on canned goods, protein bars, and other non-perishable food items. Keep a mix of high-protein and easy-to-prepare foods in your emergency kit.
Water and Filtration: Ensure you have enough bottled water for at least three days or consider purchasing a water filtration system for long-term water needs.
Back-Up Power: If you found yourself without power for an extended period, it might be time to invest in additional power sources. Consider purchasing more power banks, a larger generator, or even solar-powered charging systems.

6. Document Any Damage for Insurance Claims

Before beginning any cleanup or repairs, it’s important to document any damage to your property for insurance purposes.

Take Photos and Videos: Use your phone or camera to take detailed pictures and videos of all damage to your home, both inside and out. This will provide you with the evidence you need for insurance claims.
File Claims Promptly: Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. The sooner you report the damage, the sooner you’ll receive assistance for repairs.

7. Prepare for the Next Storm

Hurricane season doesn’t end with one storm. Once your recovery is complete, start thinking about how you can be even more prepared for the next potential event.

Review Your Risk Assessment: Assess how the storm impacted your specific area. Were you hit by flooding? Did your home’s structure hold up well? Use this information to adjust your risk assessment and better prepare for the next storm.
Strengthen Your Home: If your home sustained damage, consider upgrading vulnerable areas. Reinforcing your roof, installing storm shutters, and elevating critical utilities can make a big difference during future hurricanes.

Final Thoughts from Viking 6 Tactical

The days and weeks after a hurricane provide a unique opportunity to reflect on your preparedness and improve for the future. By conducting an internal evaluation, organizing your gear, and restocking essential supplies, you can ensure that you and your family are even better prepared for the next storm.

At Viking 6 Tactical, we specialize in helping families and communities prepare for all types of emergencies, including hurricanes. Whether you need assistance developing an emergency plan, upgrading your home defense strategy, or stocking your supplies, we’re here to help.

For more information on hurricane preparedness or to schedule one of our preparedness training courses, visit us at www.viking6tactical.com, email us at viking6tactical@gmail.com or TEXT us at 802-349-8080. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—preparation is key!

Upcoming Viking 6 Tactical Classes

Developing a Risk Assessment for Your Family
Building Your Emergency Kits
Home Defense and Security Planning
First Aid and Emergency Trauma Response