There are few things that destroy lives, the economy, infrastructure, health and peace-of-mind more than hurricanes in the Southeast US do. The macro-level headlines show flagpoles knocking down, tree branches strewn everywhere, and rising water levels. However, at the micro-level, people’s own homes, families, and possessions get obliterated.

If you live (or are planning on moving to) one of these areas, then you need to equip yourself with the right tools and connections to keep yourself safe. Let’s take a look at what people wanted -- and when -- so that you can have these handy now, rather than when it is too late. 

There are two goals of this analysis:

Our methodology:

Every graph below is the average search intensity of a certain keyword; we’ll provide insights as we go along. 

The demand for bleach for mold makes sense. A few days after landfall you’ll realize how bad the molding could get -- try and store some bleach before the hurricane (in the highest floor of your home so you don’t lose it in the hurricane itself)

Chainsaws may seem like an important tool to use after landfall, but we see more intensity beforehand. One potential reason is that it’s best to cut off big branches of trees that could fall on your home in violent winds before the fact. 

The demand for FEMA disaster relief goes up drastically right after landfall -- make sure you know what resources may be available beforehand so you can prepare. 

It’s clear that people saw that dehumidifiers would be useful after landfall - seeing how much mold and moisture appeared in their homes. It may be best to keep one handy so you don’t have to buy when supply is limited and demand is high. 

For generators, it’s the opposite story. The demand increased right before the landfall - most likely because people got anxious about losing power during the storm. My recommendation? Make sure you have a working generator at all times, preferably well before hurricane season. Waiting until danger is soon means you’ll be competing with others for the same resources, which means generators will be more expensive then. (This refers to portable generators, more on that later)

Mold removal was an important need before, during, and well after landfall. It’s best to have this contact well in advance so you know who to contact when you need it. 

This is an interesting one - people look specifically for portable generators. They may be more useful because they are cheaper than stationary ones, and can be more versatile. (Source). The peak slightly after the landfall indicates some people didn’t expect the need of a generator. They may be getting a portable generator because (a) they didn’t want to spend the money for a stationary generator or (b) they didn’t anticipate the need for electrical generation of any type in the first place. It may be worth investing in a stationary generator. 

Also really interesting. People look for contacts immediately after landfall (for initial roof damage) and much later (for more serious damage). In any case, keep a contact for roof repair in your back pocket. 

The peak of interest for roof tarps is right after landfall. This indicates that most likely, people didn’t anticipate this need and required one right after the fact. Do yourself a favor and get a roof tarp in advance - and keep it easily accessible. 

The demand for trash pickup is higher right before the hurricane - most likely for later.

This is interesting - the demand for tree removal has a few spikes, 10 days before, immediately after, and well after a landfall. It makes sense to remove trees right before, right after, and then way later when you have the time to deal with it. Keep this contact in your back pocket. 

Please take the time to share this with those who need it. It’ll help them before it’s too late.