Handling a Hurricane; Part 2 - Preparing for and Surviving an Approaching Hurricane

Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics of hurricanes and the damage they can cause. In the days before high tech weather forecasting, well organized emergency services, and mandatory evacuation, major hurricanes resulted in hundreds, if not thousands of deaths.

Most deaths, much property damage, and significant financial loss are all preventable with sensible forward planning and early action. Let's have a look at how you can protect yourself, your family, and your property if a hurricane crosses the coast in your area

To find out more about hurricanes visit http://www.home-weather-stations-g uide.com/hurricanes.html

Advance Preparation for the Hurricane Season

The North American hurricane season starts on June 1st, reaches a peak in August and September, and fades out over the next two months. This doesn't mean that major hurricanes won't occur before or after the peak - July 2005 set new records for early hurricanes.

Unlike a tornado, a hurricane can be monitored and tracked for some time before its final landfall or decay. If you are a resident or visitor in a target area, you will normally have considerable advance warning of a hurricane's approach, and time to safeguard your home or prepare for evacuation.

But the best time to start preparing is before the threat is visible. You can do this by

• Insuring your house and property to the maximum extent possible. An up to date inventory of your possessions is a smart move.

• Storing important documents and valuable possessions in a secure place away from your home.

• Checking with your local emergency co-ordinators on the risk of storm surges and flooding, and assessing your risks of damage from strong winds.

• Preparing for evacuation if you live in a high risk coastal area. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, and put together an emergency kit which you can grab at short notice if you need to leave.

• Owning a battery operated Weather Radio. This will provide you with warnings about the storm's location and time and location of landfall, and will also advise when the crisis has passed.

• Considering strengthening your roof against lifting by severe winds - options include roof strapping or extra clips.

• You may also consider reinforcing an internal room as a safe room, a practice recommended for tornado prone areas. A bathroom on the lower level of your house may be ideal, and would provide last resort protection for you and your family against destructive winds.

• Preparing an emergency kit in case you lose power and water during the hurricane. This should contain basic food supplies, water, torches and battery operated radios, a portable bottled gas stove, and anything else that will make life a little more bearable.

  Obviously most of the components of your kit will be somewhere around the house, but imagine how much easier it will be if everything you need is in the one place when the lights go out.

When A Hurricane Is Approaching

• Listen out for hurricane watches, warnings and special bulletins on Weather Radio, normal radio and TV. A Hurricane Watch (which also covers slightly less severe tropical storms which can develop into hurricanes) means hurricane conditions are possible in the next 36 hours. Check for updates on radio, TV, internet.

  A Hurricane Warning means a hurricane is expected within 24 hours.

• Put up storm shutters and secure firmly. Don't bother with taping windows - it won't help and it's no fun to remove when the threat has passed

• Secure all outdoor and garden furniture - store in an enclosed area.

• Evacuate if advised, or if you are threatened by flooding or storm surges, if you live in a mobile home or high rise, or if you feel unsafe. Leave as soon as you can. Turn off power, gas and water if advised.

• If you are staying, assume power and water may be cut. Fill your bathtub and other containers with water, turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting and keep the door closed, and turn off propane gas.

During a Hurricane

• Stay inside. The main dangers are flying debris and downed power lines. Listen to Weather Radio, and don't go outside until the hurricane has passed. If the eye passes over you, a deceptive period of calm will be followed by the return of strong winds and heavy rain.

• Secure all doors and windows, close off windows with curtains or blinds, and close all internal doors.

• At the peak of the hurricane, go to a safe room on lower floor - lie or crouch under a sturdy table or other piece of strong furniture.

With a little good fortune, these fairly simple precautions should get you through the hurricane safely. You will have done well, and will emerge healthy and fit enough to tackle the inevitable clean up. Good luck.

But always remember that hurricanes are short lived and are only likely to be a threat for a small part of the year. Think of them as an occasional tax to be paid for the benefits of an otherwise pleasant climate.

©2005, Graham McClung. This article is adapted from a free special report on weather emergencies. It can be downloaded from http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.c om/tyvm.html

While you're there, check out the rest of the site for more information on dangerous and spectacular weather.

---

What is Your Security Awareness IQ?

Are you aware of the need for security?Your awareness of... Read More

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Emergency is a situation that poses an instant threat to... Read More

Tips for Keeping Your Home Invasion Free

Home invasion formerly known as burglary is the type of... Read More

Essentials For Hurricane Season

According to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the East... Read More

Surveillance Camera Positioning

It is a known fact that advertising is made to... Read More

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Millions of people everyday rely on fire extinguishers to put... Read More

Emergency Disaster Planning: Building a Bug-Out Kit

Report after report comes in about how many people couldn't... Read More

Is America Safe?

As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina... Read More

Six Common Criminal Types And How To Avoid Them

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"... Read More

Alarm System: Wireless Remotes

WIRELESS ALARM SYSTEM REMOTESThese remotes are also known as "key... Read More

Infrared Goggle Pop Down in Hallways for Structure Fires

Most people who are killed in structure fires die from... Read More

Security Cameras For Your Peace of Mind

The reasons for installing cctv cameras are the same whether... Read More

How to Buy a Safe for Your Home

The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More

Alarm System: Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke & Heat Detectors- Smoke detectors are available that will... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 2; Home Security, Evacuation, and Emergency Kits

IntroductionPart 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies... Read More

Numbers That Can Save Your Life

It's one of those things we don't give a second... Read More

Is Big Brother Watching You? Or Are You Watching Big Brother?

Isn't technology a wonderful thing? I thought this as I... Read More

Alarm System Keypads

The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More

Home Security After An Earthquake

After an Earthquake you need to do an immediate damage... Read More

Arson Watch Program Agency Interaction

This years fire season has already started and so far... Read More

Alarm Systems: Not Just For The Wealthy Anymore!

Over the last 22 years that I have been involved... Read More

Home Security System, You Are A winner

Have you ever been to a local trade show or... Read More

Fire Safety Tips

Did you know that fire is the third leading cause... Read More

Organizing an Arson Watch Program

A wide variety of participants are needed to launch a... Read More

Hurricane Preparedness

If you are about to get hit by a Hurricane... Read More