Hurricane season is here, and that means it’s time to talk preparedness. At Summit Broadband, we’re dedicated to keeping you connected, but we also know that staying safe and prepared for a storm shouldn’t break the bank. Whether you’re a recent grad just starting out, managing a busy household, or enjoying your golden years, a smart, budget-friendly approach to hurricane preparedness is for everyone.

Let’s dive into how you can get storm-ready without overspending, ensuring you and your loved ones are safe, connected (when possible!), and comfortable.

1. Build Your DIY Emergency Kit: Smart & Gradual Stocking

Forget expensive pre-made kits – you can assemble a robust emergency kit with items you might already have or can acquire affordably. The key is to start early and build gradually, spreading out the cost.

• Water Power: The golden rule is one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Start collecting clean, empty plastic bottles and jugs now and fill them with tap water as a storm approaches. Buy bottled water on sale, but don’t feel pressured to buy massive cases if you can store your own.
• Affordable Food Staples: Focus on non-perishable items with a long shelf life. Canned goods (veggies, fruit, beans, tuna, chicken), peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, and dried fruit are excellent choices. Buy a few extra items each grocery trip when they’re on sale. Don’t forget an inexpensive hand-crank can opener!
• First Aid & Hygiene: Gather any over-the-counter medications you regularly use, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription meds. Dollar stores are great for basic first-aid supplies. For hygiene, stock up on travel-sized toiletries, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer when they’re on sale.
• Lighting & Power (Beyond the Grid): Flashlights are essential. Buy batteries when they’re discounted – and check their expiration dates! Consider a hand-crank or solar-powered radio for news updates if the power goes out. For your devices, a portable power bank (charged beforehand!) is a lifesaver.

2. Prepare Your Home: Free & Low-Cost Protection

Protecting your home minimizes damage and can save you big money on repairs later.

• Clear Your Yard: This is free and crucial! Secure or bring inside anything that could become a projectile – outdoor furniture, trash cans, toys, garden decor. It protects your home and your neighbors.
• Gutter Check-Up: Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof or foundation. A simple cleaning can prevent costly headaches.
• Know Your Zone: Understand your evacuation zone. This costs nothing and provides critical information that could save lives. Check your local emergency management website.

3. Stay Connected (Even When You Can’t Be Online)

At Summit Broadband, we work hard to maintain network resilience, but extended power outages can impact services. Here’s how to plan for communication:

• Charge Everything: Keep all cell phones, laptops, tablets, and portable chargers fully charged as a storm approaches.
• Backup Power: If you use Voice over IP (VoIP) for your home phone, keep in mind that it requires internet service and won’t function during a power outage unless you have a battery backup for your internet equipment. For added peace of mind, consider Summit Broadband’s traditional phone service—it’s a dependable communication option that can continue working even when the power goes out. A portable power bank for your mobile phone is also a smart backup to keep in touch during emergencies.
• Important Numbers Offline: Write down essential phone numbers (family, doctors, emergency services, insurance, and Summit Broadband’s customer service number) on paper. Your phone might run out of battery, or cell service could be spotty.
• Summit Broadband Updates: During a major storm, visit our website from a mobile device if you have cell service, or check our social media channels for the latest updates on service restoration efforts. We work diligently to restore services safely and as quickly as possible once conditions allow.

The Summit Broadband Takeaway: Preparedness is for Everyone

Being hurricane-ready doesn’t require a huge upfront investment. It’s about smart choices, gradual stocking, and utilizing free resources. Every small step you take today builds a safer, more secure tomorrow for you and your loved ones. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember that even in a storm, we’re here to help keep our communities connected where we can.