Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. People who live in hurricane prone communities should know their vulnerability, and what actions should be taken to reduce the effects of these devastating storms.
The key point is simple: plan accordingly and plan ahead. Here are some steps you can take to protect your family, property or business:
Step 1: Build A Kit / "To-Go Bag"
Get an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food (eg., canned food and manual can opener), water (at least three gallons of water per person), a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries, first aid kit and essential medications. Other supplies to have on-hand include protective clothing, rain gear, and bedding or sleeping bags. You may also want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. For more details on the preparing the kit, go to
Ready.gov.
Step 2: Prepare yourself, your family, business, property
Make a Family Emergency Plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency.
Businesses have a critical role in preparedness. Putting a disaster plan in motion now will improve the likelihood that your company will survive and recover.
Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Everyone is at risk and should consider flood insurance protection. Flood insurance is the only way to financially protect your property or business from flood damage. To learn more about your flooding risk and how to protect yourself and your business, visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site,
www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419.
In addition to insurance, you can also:
- Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been
installed, use precut plywood to protect your windows from high winds. Note: Tape does not
prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended.
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Plan to bring in all lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging
plants, and anything else not tied down that can be picked up by the wind.
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Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
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Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
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Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
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Turn off propane tanks.
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Install a generator for emergencies.
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Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage, it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
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Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
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Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting www.FoodSafety.gov.
Step 3: Be Informed
Hurricane hazards come in many forms: lightning, tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, even landslides or mudslides can be triggered in mountainous regions. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. But remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify a hurricane.
A hurricane watch means a hurricane is possible in your area. Be prepared to evacuate. Monitor local radio and television news outlets or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for the latest developments.
A hurricane warning is when a hurricane is expected in your area. If local authorities advise you to evacuate, leave immediately.
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on their wind speed, central pressure, and damage potential. Category Three and higher hurricanes are considered major hurricanes, though Categories One and Two are still extremely dangerous and warrant your full attention.
Some other tips to keep in mind:
(1) If you live down by the water, be mindful of the possibility of a voluntary/mandatory evacuation.
(2) Keep your cell phone fully charged.
(3) Fill your car's gas tank.
(4) Don't schedule things so that you might have to drive during a hurricane. This could be illegal and it will be dangerous.
(5) Unless you have a good garage to put your car(s) in, remember all those pictures we see of tree-crushed cars in the aftermath of a storm, and find an open space away from tall trees to put your car during the storm. If wind reach more than 70 mph, it can be very difficult to stay on your feet or walk any distanced.
(6) If at some point there is a need for you to evacuate, remember to take your "to go bag" items as well as car keys and maps and documents, including driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, etc.
Hurricane Resources: Agency and Organization Links
