Hurricane is a tropical cyclone that moves with heavy rains and high winds. These natural disasters have the potential to cause widespread destruction. Preparing for a hurricane, not just before, but during the storm hits and after it has passed can actually minimize substantial amount of damage…
More than the hurricane, it is the aftermath that causes lot a of problems. Cities that have been caught in such storms are well aware of the disruption caused. And hence, the most important thing to do is being prepared. In order to survive, there are certain measures required to ensure that you and your family are ready.
Before the Hurricane Strikes
- Prepare an evacuation route by contacting your local emergency management office. Each member of your family needs to know the plan and route.
- Protect your windows by placing plywood panels.
- If there are trees around your house, cut down weaker branches.
- Prepare an emergency kit for each member of the house.
- Keep the first aid and all your medications with their prescriptions in that bag. In case you have to evacuate, keep photos of all family members, IDs, blankets, clothes, dry, canned food, and bottled water in the bag too. This bag should be prepared well in advance so that there will be no last-minute hurry.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows how to contact the fire and police departments.
- Keep all your valuables and important papers in a waterproof locker.
- The advancement of hurricane is usually accompanied with an acute shortage of fuel, so keep your cars fueled up, well before time.
- Make a note of your emergency shelter and their contact numbers.
- Store drinking water and non-perishable food for you and your family (which can last you for around 72+ hours).
- Pets are not allowed in the emergency shelter and they may have to be left in an animal shelter. Ensure that they have proper collars (with proper identification). If your pet is under some sort of medication; then you need to inform the authorities about it.
During the Hurricane
- The bottom line is ‘Stay Alert’. Stay informed about all warnings. A hurricane watch is issued when it is expected within 36 hours and a warning is issued when the cyclone is expected within 24 hours.
- If a flood warning is also issued along with the hurricane warning, take it as a clue that you may have to evacuate.
- Follow all instructions given by the local authority.
- Take videos or photos of your property before you leave. This will help you during insurance claims. To reduce the damages; bring all the out-door objects inside your home and keep your yard clean.
- Before leaving your home; turn-off all electrical appliances and remove the T.V antennae from the roof.
- Lock all rooms and the house properly. A battery-operated radio and flash light with extra batteries can prove to be of much help during these times.
- It is very common that when a cyclone hits a city, the ATM machines don’t work, so it is better if you keep some emergency cash or a credit card along with you.
- If you do not choose to evacuate, then stay in the house and do not move out, unless it is an extreme emergency.
- Turn off electricity from the main switch as soon as a warning is issued.
- Avoid any contact with the windows and doors.
- Don’t try to video shoot the hurricane (the photos will be available on T.V and Internet).
- Stay out of the wind; this means if the wind is hitting your kitchen windows, then stay in the room opposite to the kitchen.
- Keep a fuel car ready with extra gallons of gasoline.
- Store drinking water and non-perishable food for you and your family (which can last you for around 72+ hours).
Post Hurricane
- If your area has been hit, there are chances that there may be an outbreak of many diseases.
- Make sure there is proper sanitation and hygiene. Carry bottled water along with you.
- Impure water is the biggest source of most of these diseases.
- Boil water before drinking, if boiling is not possible use bleach or water purification tablets.
- Eat only the food that is provided by the authorities (it is the safest food that can be available during these times).
- Keep listening to the radio for the instructions issued by the authorities.
- Return home only after re-opening is ordered.
- Beware of snakes and other insects, that may have come with flood.
- Before turning on the electrical power, check if there is a gas leak or any damage to the system which you are about to turn on.
- Photographs of your damaged property will prove to be very useful during your insurance claims.
- Fallen electrical wires are very common after a hurricane.
- If you notice any such fallen wire; do not come in contact with it and inform the authorities immediately.
Taking steps and precaution towards safeguarding yourself, your family, and your home is essential. Contact your local emergency agency for information on high-risk areas.
