Don’t learn by experience what to do “next time” when it comes to hurricanes. Be prepared to be as safe as you possibly can.
A tropical storm that reaches a constant of 74 miles an hour or more is
upgraded to a hurricane. A hurricane can spread outwards as far as 400 miles,
and the relatively calm center called the “eye” is generally around 20-30 miles
wide. It is a raging fury of high winds, torrential rains, and storm surges. On
the open sea it can last for more than 2 weeks. Most deaths associated with
hurricanes are flood-related. Use the following lists to educate your household
on the things that might one day save their life.
Be Always Ready
Find out the safest
evacuation route from your home. This information can be acquired through
your local American Red Cross or local emergency management office.
Find out where your
designated shelters are.
Take pictures of your property,
inside and out. You will need these to validate insurance claims.
Back up your computer files
regularly and keep the backup discs in a waterproof container.
Keep plenty of the extra
heavy duty garbage bags on hand to wrap electronics and other household
devices.
Make sure you are well
stocked with roof repair supplies such as tarps, plastic sheeting, and
tools.
Keep the instructions for
shutting off utilities in a visible area.
Keep your gas tank full and
be prepared to drive 20-50 miles away.
Keep your trees trimmed of
dead or weak branches. Strategically remove branches to allow the wind to
blow through.
Create a plan for your pets.
Due to sanitary and health reasons, no animals will be allowed in the
shelter with the exception of daily living assistance animals. Contact the
local Humane Society for ideas and suggestions.
Consider any special
arrangements that might be needed to accommodate someone with special
physical, emotional, or medical needs.
Practice putting up shutters
(or whatever window protection you have) and note how long it takes you.
Permanent shutters offer the best protection. Purchase ½ inch plywood
panels and pre drill holes every 18 inches.
Check into the National Flood
Insurance Program through your local insurance agent. Homeowner policies
don’t cover hurricane flooding and there is a 30-day waiting period before
your flood policy will take effect.
Teach the kids how to use
911.
Teach the kids how to tune
into the local radio station.