Hurricane: Communication, Evacuation

If a hurricane hits here, and we have no electricity, how are we going to be able to communicate with the outside world?

No electricity = no computer. (unless you have a generator or inverter.)

We won’t have our computers to see the internet.



And whats worse, we won’t have our computerized lists of friends, family, ward lists, hospitals, or any other information. Before the hurricane hits, you need to print off all your important phone numbers and address lists.

Email your friends and family with your tentative plans. If there is a chance you will be evacuating, email or call and tell your friends and family so they will know. You might not be able to tell them later.

Pay your bills online ahead of time.

No electricity=no cell phone.
Your cell phone’s battery will go dead eventually. You need to get all your phone numbers off of it, in case you can use someone else’s home phone with a cord.

Charge cell phone ahead of time or plug it into an inverter.
Be aware that if the cell phone towers are blown down in the storm, you won’t have any coverage even if it is charged.




Cord phones usually work when the power is out. If the cell phone towers are down, you will be happy if you have one of these dinosaurs, a home phone with a cord (not a cordless phone). These don’t need any electricity to work.




How can we get information when the power is out? There will be no electricity to power a TV or radio.
It is important to buy a radio that uses batteries or some other source of power. This one has a solar panel on the top and a crank on the back, and cost about $15.

Plug a TV into the car inverter.
If you have a small TV that is new enough to use digital signals, buy an antenna for it and plug it into the inverter in the car. We loved our little TV during Fran, I went out to the car and watched it many times during the day we had no power.

Become a HAM radio operator. If you really want to know what is going on, train to become a Ham operator and buy a short wave radio. We have many people in the stake who can help you with this.

If you have to evacuate: You won’t have a computer to print out Google maps, so be sure you have some good maps, or print them from the internet ahead of time. You might need alternate routes. Also, be aware that the roads may be completely jammed.

Have a full tank of gas and plenty of food.

If you go to a Red Cross shelter, they will provide you with the bare minimum. It is much better to bring all your own necessities of life.

After the hurricane passes, what things do you need to be aware of?




A great number of the deaths in hurricanes come from drowning. Do not drive on roads that are covered with water. Several inches can float a car and sweep you away.

Signs may be blown down. After Hurricane Hugo, my friend drove from here to Florida, and she said there wasn’t a single road sign left in South Carolina. You’ll need to know how to get where you are going.

Boredom will set in. You might be without power for days. Its good to have some entertainment for the kids, they will be bonkers without the TV and computer.

Final comments:
Please know that when disaster strikes, you will be thankful for ANYTHING that you did to prepare. Even basic preparations can relieve suffering and save lives.

The Lord has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.

"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.
"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings.

—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

By following the prophet and apostles, and preparing for adversity, we will be blessed and we can bless others.
It is time to prepare.

(End of Relief Society presentation on Hurricane Preparation for Morrisville Ward, Aug. 5, 2010)