Hurricanes are tropical cyclones that develop over the oceans and are produced from a series of thunderstorms, warm ocean water and high relative humidity in the atmosphere. Their winds exceed 74 miles per hour and rotate in a counter clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. Hurricane season runs from June to September. They develop in the Atlantic, eastern parts of the Pacific, and in the Caribbean. More than 50% of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coastline, making them vulnerable to these tropical storms. Besides high winds, hurricanes can also cause storm surges,flooding, and tornadoes to inland communities resulting in massive damage and possible casualties to the population.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before there is one. Preparation is key to remaining safe when a hurricane comes ashore. Know where the evacuation routes and emergency shelters are. Every home should have a hurricane survival kit which includes:
First aid kit
Battery operated radio
Flashlight
3 days of water – 1 gallon for each person per day
Ponchos
Canned food with an opener
Cash
Prescription medicine
Flares
Portable camp stove
Waterproof matches
Duct tape
Essential documents in a waterproof container
Water purifier tablets or a portable water purifier
Rope
Pet carrier
Have a plan to meet in a certain place in case you are separated. Buy plywood and get supplies early before there is any sign of a hurricane as stores will sell out when a hurricane is imminent. Make sure you have flood insurance.
What to Do During a Hurricane
Listen to the weather reports, turn off utilities like power and gas, and secure your boat if you have one.
Board up windows, glass doors or close and secure storm shutters. Also secure the roof to the house with clips. Clean out gutters and trim bushes and trees around the house.
When there is a mandatory evacuation, follow the directions and leave the area. Evacuating at the proper time is crucial for survival. Some people are lulled into a false sense of security when the hurricane doesn’t come ashore immediately in their area. Since it can cause flooding as in the case of New Orleans, you should be alert to that possibility and consider evacuating anyway.
If you are unable to evacuate, then you need to move to the safest room in your home. Stay on the lowest level, in the most interior part of the house. Seek shelter under a table or sturdy furniture or stay in the bath tub with a mattress overhead. Don’t assume when it is calm that the storm is over. It is likely you are in the eye of the hurricane and the calm will be followed by more powerful winds.
What to Do After a Hurricane
After the hurricane has passed, check to see who is hurt and give the appropriate first aid or call for medical attention. Watch for broken glass, down power lines, gas leaks, dead animals and debris. Also avoid contaminated water and notify authorities of safety issues. Avoid flooded areas and washed out bridges.
Hurricanes are severe, dangerous storms that can cause large amounts of property damage and threaten people’s lives. They kill hundreds to thousands every year. Having a plan and being prepared for a hurricane is essential in surviving disasters of this magnitude.