How To Keep Safe In A Hurricane And Storms

A hurricane is a deadly, destructive force of nature. In the end, we can predict them, track them, and evacuate when they get too close, but we simply cannot control them. What we can do, however, is prepare for them, using the methods outlined in this article and the National Hurricane Center’s Hurricane Preparedness web site.  You don’t have to be afraid of hurricanes; you just have to prepare for them properly.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a hurricane is to know your area. What sort of place do you live in? Is it in a low lying area, protected from the worst of the wind but with a high threat of flooding? Or is it at the top of a hill, where you almost certainly won’t get flooded, but the danger from wind is much greater? Is it in a dense metropolitan area where traffic will be a problem should you try to evacuate?  What is the best way out of the area should you need to evacuate? What roads are most likely to be closed down or flooded?

If you live on higher ground, it is unlikely that you will be ordered to evacuate. But this only makes preparation all the more essential.  Bottled water is your friend during a hurricane; water is the most important part of hurricane preparation. Assume you’ll need one gallon per person per day for two weeks; plus water for things like flushing the toilet, washing your hands and other little household conveniences.

A disaster supply kit should be part of your home anyway, but it becomes especially important to check it when a hurricane is imminent. Does your flashlight have new batteries in it? Do you have spare batteries in case you need them? Is your first aid kit full? What about canned foods? Have any of them passed their expiration date? Check your disaster supply kit (you can find a complete list of what should go into a disaster supply kit at the web site of the National Hurricane Center) before every hurricane. Actually, check it three or four times a year just to be on the safe side. The only predictable thing about disasters is their unpredictability!

Make sure that all your doors are solid and secured, also that all of your windows are taped or boarded up.  Taping your windows will not keep them from breaking if flying objects smash into them, but it may keep shards of glass from flying everywhere. Boarding up your windows will usually keep them from breaking, but it’s hard to do at the very last minute. If you have time, board up your windows; if not, tape is better than nothing and may at least keep you safe from flying glass.

Proper preparation saves lives. We may not be able to control hurricanes, but we can, to a certain extent, control our surroundings. We can stay on top of things like food, water and emergency kits. We can protect our homes to the best of our ability.  In short, we can be prepared.

A word of warning, nothing I have said in this article in any way should justify ignoring an evacuation order! If your local government and weather bureau tells you to get out, then get out immediately. These suggestions are only meant to keep your house safer should you leave and to keep you safer should you be unable to evacuate or should you lose power even though the hurricane does not pass directly over you. Under no circumstances should they be considered to justify not evacuating when evacuation is recommended.

Storms can be categorized in three major definitions namely hurricanes, thunderstorms and tornadoes. Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th. Thunderstorms can happen year round. Tornadoes usually occur in spring and summer; they can however, happen at any time of the year. Another type of storm which is often not given proper importance is the winter storm where winds and cold weather pick up and can cause lots of harm and damage.

It is advised to stay indoors as much as possible during a storm. This offers relatively good protection against the elements.

Windows are one of the first items to feel the brunt of the storm. High winds exert lots of pressure on window openings and it is advised that people stay away from windows as much as possible. A good way of protecting one’s house windows is to have shutters installed before a storm. In case this has not been possible, as soon as a storm warning hits, it is advised to put up well-secured plywood pieces which will block the windows. Taping the window panes will not protect the glass from shattering under the force of the wind, so applying tape to the window surface should not be mistaken as a safety measure. If no protection is up on the windows, it is advised to stay in a room where there are no or very few windows. In the case of a tornado, it is preferable to remain in a closed, windowless premise, like a closet or a bathroom.

It is advisable to listen to the radio during any storm, so as to be aware of the weather conditions prevailing. People can thus be immediately notified of special precautions or even if there arises the need for evacuation.

During a thunderstorm, which is accompanied by lightning, heavy winds and rainfall, again, it is advised to remain indoor as long as possible. Given the electrical nature of such storms, care should be taken to stay away from metal pipes and other such utility lines which can conduct electricity. All electrical appliances should be unplugged, the telephone should be used as little as possible and taking showers should be avoided. In case someone is stuck outside in a thunderstorm, it is advised to stay away from trees, poles and other metal objects as they conduct electricity. Shelter should be sought immediately. To avoid being struck by lightning, one should not lie on the ground, but squat down as low as possible, thus making oneself the smallest possible target.

In the case of a tornado storm, it is advised to stay indoors as much as possible, away from the windows. The most interior section of the house and the lowest level of the location, are the safest bets. In case of a severe warning, shelter can be sought in a closed premise like a closet. If caught outside or on the road when a tornado warning is announced, it is preferable to seek shelter as soon as possible. Cars should be evacuated. If no shelter is available, it is advised to crouch down in a low area, away from the vehicle and also to cover the neck and head.

Downed utility lines should be avoided at all costs and all wires should be treated as live. People in the storm warning area should also be prepared to shut off all utility lines as soon as the alert to do so is given. It is also advised to be wary of changing weather conditions. An apparent calm outside might only be the ‘eye’ of the storm. Weather conditions can deteriorate very quickly, so people should remain indoors until the storm warning is lifted.

In the case of winter storms, it is advisable to have extra blankets and warm clothes at hand. Each member of the household should have a warm coat, mittens or gloves, a hat and water-resistant boots. During the storm, people should not venture outside. Temperatures, combined with the cold of the high winds, can be very taxing on the human body, so proper warm clothing should be worn. If absolutely necessary to venture outside, it is preferable to wear several layers of lightweight clothes rather than a single thick coat to keep the warmth locked in.

In all cases of storm warnings, traveling is discouraged. In case one has to be on the road or if caught on the road when the storm warning is given, all the above safety conditions apply. It is better to stop and seek shelter rather than continue traveling in the hopes of getting away from the storm quickly enough.

There are many places that you can find information on approaching hurricanes. It will not take you long to learn which of these will give you the clearest picture of the storm that is approaching the city that you live in. Once you feel you have found this source make sure to remember where it is; since if you have a hurricane coming towards you it is likely you live somewhere that this is going to happen again. You always want to be as informed as possible.