Preparing For a Hurricane and Staying Connected with Q Link Wireless

Stay Connected During a Hurricane with Q Link Wireless

Staying connected to your loved ones during Hurricane Idalia is important. That’s why at
Q Link Wireless we are providing FREE Cell Phone Service to all our customers. It’s vital to be prepared for all emergencies and have a checklist of tips to go over before and after every storm.

Understanding the difference between a hurricane “watch” and “warning” is vital for staying informed. Stay tuned to National Weather Service alerts on your phone, or stay connected online with your Q Link Wireless phone. 

Two types of signs indicate the severity of a hurricane;

1. A hurricane watch indicates possible hurricane conditions in an area. Experts issue these watches 48 hours in advance, anticipating the onset of storm-force winds.

2. A hurricane warning is more serious. This signifies that hurricane-force winds are expected in an area. These warnings are issued by experts 36 hours before tropical storm force winds are anticipated, allowing people enough time to prepare for the storm.

Check out our tips on how to keep you & your family and friends safe.

Have an Emergency Plan 

Take the time to create a plan and ensure that you and your family are ready for any situation.

1. Have emergency phone numbers handy.
2. Put together an emergency supply kit.
3. Familiarize yourself with nearby shelters to reach from your home.
4. Learn where you may need to go if evacuation routes are required.

Gather Hurricane Supplies

1. Stock up on emergency food and water supplies.
2. Remember an emergency medicine kit.
3. Equip yourself with power sources like flashlights (and extra batteries).
4. Ensure you have safety items and personal necessities.
5. Keep documents such as records, wills, passports, and IDs easily accessible.

Prepare Your Family and Car for the Hurricane

Ensure your car is ready for evacuation, and always prepare it for the worst-case scenario. 

1. Ensure your car is in good condition before the storm arrives. 
2. Fill up the gas tank. 
3. Park cars and trucks under cover for protection. 
4. Always keep an emergency kit handy inside your car. 

Keep your family up to date with the emergency plan and stay updated with new news about the hurricane. 

1. Review your emergency plan with all family members.
2. Stay updated about the storm by watching TV, listening to the radio, or using your phone to go online.
3. If anyone in your family has needs, contact authorities like hospitals, public health departments, or police for assistance.

Remember: If you don’t own a car, it’s important to make arrangements with friends or family members or contact authorities if you need transportation during an evacuation. 

Get Your Home Hurricane Ready 

1. Clear your yard; remove any objects the storm could blow around and potentially cause damage to your home. Bring inside or secure items such as bicycles, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building materials.
2. Protect windows and doors; use storm shutters if you have them or nail plywood over the outside window frames to safeguard against shattered glass. This will help ensure your safety.
3. Store drinking water. Fill containers with drinking water if your water supply is disrupted during the storm. Additionally, fill sinks and bathtubs with water for drinking purposes.

Be Prepared for Evacuation or Staying at Home.

Always heed guidance regarding whether you should evacuate or remain at home during a hurricane threat. If an evacuation order is issued, pay attention to it. Constructed houses may not withstand the force of a hurricane adequately. Remember, protecting your property isn’t worth jeopardizing your health and safety.

What to Do If You Need to Evacuate Due to a Hurricane

1. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to evacuate, gather your emergency supply kit and take the essentials such as your phone with your Q Link Wireless service, chargers, necessary medications, identification documents like a passport or driver’s license, and some cash. 
2. It’s important to unplug your appliances and turn off the gas, electricity, and water if there is time.
3.  Follow the routes emergency workers recommend even if there is traffic since alternate roads might be blocked or flooded.

Staying at Home During a Hurricane  

If you are advised to stay home during a hurricane, ensure you have access to your emergency supply kit. Stay informed by listening to updates on the radio or TV regarding the state of the hurricane. 

• Keep your emergency supply kit in a place you can easily access.
• Check online on your phone for updates on the hurricane.
• Stay inside. Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. Wait until you hear an official message that the hurricane is over. Sometimes, the weather gets quiet in the middle of a storm but quickly gets terrible again.
• Stay away from windows—you could get hurt by pieces of broken glass or flying debris during a storm. Stay in a room with no windows or go inside a closet.
• Be ready to leave. If emergency authorities order you to leave or your home is damaged, go to a shelter or a neighbor’s house.

Keep yourself safe by following these steps, and always stay connected with your friends and family using your Q Link Wireless phone service. If you aren’t a Q Link Wireless customer, sign up for FREE Government Cell Phone Service to stay connected during hurricanes and other national disasters.