6 Cargo Control Products for Hurricane Safety
Hurricane season brings about safety concerns for millions of Americans living along the coastlines. It lasts for months, starting June 1st through November 30th, and can bring about intense, insurmountable, and unpredictable damage to many areas. Being prepared for these storms by shoring up your home with essential cargo control supplies can be the make-or-break point in keeping you, your loved ones, and your property safe.
At U.S. Cargo Control, we understand the importance of safety not only on the road or at a job site, but even within the confines of your own home - especially during hurricane season. Cargo control products play a significant role in safeguarding your possessions and preventing potential damage during these events.
We explore a range of essential cargo control products to employ for hurricane safety. If you are in the path of a hurricane, then we implore you to consider these products as a means of protection. Read on to learn more:
6 Essential Cargo Control Supplies for Hurricane Safety
1. Tarps
The first product category on our list is tarps. Normally, these products wrap around specific trailer configurations to shield cargo from damage caused by weather, wind, road debris, and more. However, tarps also provide invaluable protection for both indoor and outdoor items from water damage during hurricanes.
Heavy-duty waterproof tarps like our steel tarps shield your home's exterior as well as valuable possessions such as electronics, furniture, and sensitive equipment from rain and flooding. When properly secured with rubber tarp straps or other tiedown means, tarps also prevent debris from causing damage to windows and other vulnerable parts of your property.
2. Bungee Cords
Related to tarp straps, bungee cords serve as necessary tie downs to help secure or bundle items together. Made from a rubber cord core and wrapped with a durable polyurethane jacket, bungees stand up to harsh weather elements like hurricane-force winds and rain. Each cord is fitted with extremely versatile hooks that attach to nearly anything.
Bungee cords are useful for binding smaller objects together or attaching items to more substantial fixtures. For any outdoor items like trash cans, gardening tools, and decor, bungee cords secure these to the ground or together, preventing them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds. Ball bungees are another great tool for securing bundles together.
- LEARN: 25 Uses for Ball Bungees
Additional elastic tiedown means include shock cord and rubber rope that allows you to use long strands of rope to tie down, or to create custom-length tie downs using bungee hooks.
3. Moving Blankets
Moving blankets, otherwise known as moving pads or furniture pads, also provide safety protection for your valuables from hurricane damage. Constructed from durable fabric wrapped around a cotton batting, they ward off any damages that cause scuffs, scrapes, dents, or abrasions. When wrapped with moving bands, stretch wrap, or other tie down straps, moving blankets ensure your items stay safe from harm.
Apart from indoor items, moving blankets can also protect outdoor items like grills, patio furniture, and even vehicles. With different styles to choose from offering various degrees of protection and durability, moving blankets work to keep your items safe. Sound blankets, on the other hand, provide sound-dampening abilities along with protection from damage. Best used when hanging from their grommets, sound blankets work to minimize noise and reduce noisy storm sounds for those hunkering down and waiting it out. Additionally, furniture covers fit perfectly over your specific chair, love seat, or sofa dimensions.
4. Tie Down Straps
Another means to tying down your items includes tie down straps. These are versatile tools available in various materials and strengths, making them indispensable for hurricane safety. Designed to secure outdoor items, these anchor larger objects to fixed structures or specific anchor points, preventing them from being tossed around by strong winds.
Our ratchet straps come in a variety of widths, styles, and fittings for your specific tiedown needs. Each having been extensively proof tested, these straps are guaranteed to hold up to their labeled strengths, as well as adverse conditions. Use L-Track or E-Track straps for specific tie down systems and configurations when securing your items.
You can also use cargo nets as a means of securing and creating a barrier for loose items. These products are light and can be attached in a matter of minutes. Different net types contain specific end fittings, so make sure to install an anchor system compatible to these fittings.
5. Anchor Systems
For properties in high-risk hurricane zones, investing in permanent or temporary anchor systems is a wise choice for safety. Ground or wall anchors can be installed beforehand to provide secure attachment points for tie-down straps, chains, and cables. This added layer of protection can prevent structures from being torn away or damaged by powerful winds.
Using cargo tie down systems such as E-Track and L-Track rail works just as well for keeping items secure. E-track consists of high-strength 12-gauge steel railing that traditionally attach to walls and floors of trailers. The same goes for L-Track, which fits into hard-to-reach places. However, both options provide unique and durable anchor systems in or around your structures for permanent or temporary tie down availability.
- READ: L-Track vs. E-Track
D-Rings serve as another anchoring option. These products can be placed anywhere anchor points are needed and are compatible with most tie down hardware for versatile attachment. You can also use rigging anchors such as eye bolts to secure items like wire rope, hooks, and other means.
6. Chain & Cable
Lastly, heavy-duty chain is a great hurricane safety tool designed to withstand substantial forces. Made with a high-strength, low-alloy carbon steel, transport chain traditionally works for towing, logging, safety, and oil rigging. However, this tie down chain also secures large and heavy objects that are challenging to move before a hurricane. Such items include boats, trailers, vehicles, and other outdoor equipment.
- Check out our collection of transport chain and binders!
Alternatively, aircraft cable works as a durable tool when used in tangent with other rigging hardware. Designed for lighter-duty purposes like fencing, slings, and rigging of sailboats, aircraft cable keeps items tied down to where they need to be. Additionally, this cable can be used to reinforce structures that are particularly vulnerable to damage, such as fences and gates.
Safety First During Hurricane Season
Always stay weather-aware during hurricane season with safety being top-of-mind. Before each season starts, make sure to have an emergency plan in place for when you or your family need to hunker down. Being proactive with your approach keeps everyone's safety a priority and prevents potential harm from hurricane-related damages.
Be sure to follow these safety tips if you do or do not plan on staying in your home:
If you stay home:
- Stay inside.
- Keep away from windows and go to a room with no windows like a closet or bathroom.
- Stay alert for any weather updates via phone or TV.
- Have plenty of food and water supplies handy.
- Make sure your emergency kit is readily available.
- Be ready to leave if emergency authorities issue you to leave your home.
If you leave your home:
- Take your supplies with you - first-aid kit, food, water, chargers, IDs, medicines, and cash.
- Unplug all appliances before leaving.
- Follow the routes laid out by emergency workers.
Hurricane Safety for Truckers
While many land-locked Americans don't encounter hurricanes directly, truck drivers and other members of the trucking and transportation industry deal with these effects and can have a toll on the supply chain of goods. It's always important to stay informed and plan ahead when you are aware a hurricane will hit your region of travel. Stock up on supplies, fuel up, and make sure your load is secure throughout the trip. Hurricane-force conditions cause serious accidents, so stay vigilant about the surrounding conditions and avoid hazards like high water and strong winds. Maintain communication and follow official orders for any road closures or necessary evacuations. Safety is the top priority, so keep emergency contacts readily available and do not attempt to drive through dangerous weather.
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