Hurricane Preparedness

There are plenty of advantages to living in the Southern United States and other tropical areas like the Caribbean, Philippines and Australia. The drawback however is these areas are prone to hurricanes and some of these will become a category 3 and above – hereby classifying them as major storms. It is possible to survive a major hurricane if you are prepared and knowledgeable about the storm.

PREPARE FOR THE STORM

An advantage to a hurricane as opposed to tornadoes for example, is that you will get advance warning of its approach. This will give you time to prepare your home. Preparations should be completed within a day of landfall and this means, bring in all outdoor furniture or secure it, board up your windows with sturdy plywood or install hurricane shutters and close them. You should already have an emergency kit ready to go that includes food, medical supplies, extra clothing, batteries and identification into a waterproof bag and keep it handy.

ONCE THE STORM HITS

Once the storm begins affecting your area, stay inside at all times and keep away from unprotected windows and doors. Do not use candles or gas powered generators inside the home. They could cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning; instead use battery powered flashlights and lanterns for light.

Keep your food in coolers during the storm, as you will most likely lose power at some point during the storm. If you live in a condominium or apartment and need to take an elevator to get home or to a safer location in the building, do so before the storm hits; once power goes out you could get stuck in the elevator.

When the eye is passing overhead, do not go outside. The hurricane’s eye is the calm part of the storm and while it may be interesting to take a peek at what it looks like, an eye differs in size. The calm part of the storm may last anywhere from 30 minutes up to an hour and usually a storm’s intensity picks up on the second half with winds now blowing from the opposite direction. Also, if you are advised to evacuate, and then leave your home; there are shelters set up to protect people from high winds and possible major flooding.

STAY INSIDE UNTIL IT IS SAFE TO LEAVE

Once the storm has passed, be aware that there will be dangers outside, like fallen power lines, debris and possible flooding. If it is safe to stay in your home, then do so; if not, then make your way carefully to the nearest shelter or safe place.