When Mother Nature is at her full power, we are simply at her mercy. And while we can’t control when or where a hurricane will hit, we can prepare ourselves and the people around us.
Below are very important things to keep in mind before, during, and after a hurricane.
How Do I Prepare For A Hurricane?
The best way to be ready for any natural disaster is to be informed. Listen to your local news channels for hurricane and storm warnings. You can even monitor weather forecasts while offshore. If your local authorities have guidelines and orders, make sure to obey all of them—especially if you’re being asked to evacuate by the authorities.
Below are 10 hurricane and storm preparedness tips to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your home safe before chaos strikes.
- Create A Family Disaster Plan
Make a list of emergency phone numbers and keep it on the fridge or near every phone in your home. You should also program them into every family member’s cellphone.
If your locale has shelters and evacuation centers, determine the nearest one to your house and the various routes that may be taken to get there. If your area’s shelter locations have yet to be determined, learn how to locate them in the event of a disaster.
If you are a pet owner, you must plan ahead of time to transport your pets to a shelter, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or family member in the event of an evacuation. If you are asked to vacate your house, local animal shelters may be able to guide what to do with your pets.
- Gather Supplies
Due to the uncertainty of situations during and after a hurricane, you and your family may need supplies to keep yourselves safe and healthy. Hurricanes can cut off power and water supply and your car may be left damaged, which means driving is not an option.
Stock up on emergency food, water, and medical supplies. Have emergency power sources on hand, such as flashlights, extra batteries, and power banks. You must also keep safety and personal items close to you at all times. Don’t forget important documents such as medical records, wills, passports, and personal identification.
Lastly, have a fire extinguisher available in case of a fire. Make sure everyone in your family knows where to find it and how to use it.
- Get Your Home Ready
Clear the space in your yard. Make sure nothing will blow around and cause damage to your home during the storm. Bicycle racks, yard furniture, barbecues, propane tanks, and construction materials should all be moved inside or under shelter.
Storm shutters or impact-resistant glass can be used to protect windows, doors, and skylights. As a last-minute measure, you can also attach pieces of plywood to window frames. Keep yourself safe from pieces of shattered glass at all times.
If you have clean water containers, fill them up with drinking water. It’s best to be prepared just in case your water supply goes down during the storm. Fill up sinks and baths with water for washing.
- Know If You’re Okay To Stay At Home Or If You Need To Evacuate
If an evacuation is required, unplug any appliances, TVs, and electronics before leaving your house. You can move important items and expensive equipment to a higher floor or surface, such as a counter or a shelf, to protect them from flooding.
Turn off water and gas to prevent leaks. Ensure that your car is in good condition and has a full tank of gas and some emergency supplies.
On the other hand, if you’re not asked to evacuate, locate the safest area inside your home. Discuss the types of dangers that may affect your family, as well as the vulnerability of your house to storm surges, floods, and wind.
What Happens During A Hurricane?
Hurricanes are some of nature’s most powerful storms that produce extremely strong winds, tornadoes, storm surges, flooding, and heavy rainfall. During a hurricane, have your portable radio ready and monitor for reports from authorities.
Avoid any windows or exterior doors, and take refuge in a bathroom or your basement. Bathtubs can give some protection if you cover yourself with plywood or other things.
Turn off the electricity at the main breaker if flooding is approaching your home. If your house becomes damaged or if authorities tell you to, evacuate.
Never go outside during a hurricane, even if the storm looks as if it has subsided. The storm’s lull, or “eye,” can disappear fast, leaving you outside when the winds start to pick up again.
How Do I Stay Safe After A Hurricane?
Aside from preparing for a hurricane, it’s equally important to know what to do after an intense storm passes. Keep the following in mind:
- Avoid flooded areas as much as possible, as they can contain harmful contaminants and hide dangerous debris. It’s not a good idea to drive through these areas either.
- After the storm, make sure your carbon monoxide (CO) detector has functioning batteries to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep generators outside, at least 20 feet away from any door, window, or vent.
- When the power comes back on, don’t switch on all of your big appliances at once. To avoid damaging sensitive equipment, turn them on gradually.
- Avoid power lines that are downed, broken, or loose, and report them to your proper local authorities.
Preparedness Is The Key To Hurricane Safety
Hurricanes cause a lot of damage, not just to properties, but also to the lives of those that experience them. We have no power over Mother Nature. However, we can keep our families and ourselves ready so that we can stay safe in case of any emergency.
