Hurricanes
According to the National Ocean Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce, a hurricane originally forms over tropical or subtropical waters as a tropical cyclone. A tropical cyclone doesn’t become a hurricane until it has a sustained maximum wind of 74 mph. If a tropical cyclone has a maximum sustained surface wind less than 39 mph, it’s classified as a tropical depression. If the maximum sustained surface wind is greater than 39 mph, it’s classified as a tropical storm.
Collapsed building from a hurricane Photo Source: Flickr/Alex W. Once a tropical cyclone is classified as a hurricane, it is categorized to determine its severity. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricanes with a category of 1 through 5. The higher the rating, the more powerful the storm is, and the greater potential for destruction.
Category 1: sustained wind speeds of 74-95 mph Category 2: sustained wind speeds of 96-110 mph Category 3: sustained wind speeds of 111-129 mph Category 4: sustained wind speeds of 130-156 mph Category 5: sustained wind speeds of 157 mph or higher
Be Prepared
In the event of a hurricane, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) lists some tips on how to prepare your family and your home. Should an evacuation order be issued in your community, every driver in your family should know the local hurricane evacuation routes. You should also designate a meeting spot and have a plan on where you can stay as your family might not be all together when the evacuation order is given. And don’t forget to bring your disaster supply kits. Each kit should contain a three-day supply of non-perishable food, a gallon of water per day per family member for at least three days, first aid supplies, cash, flashlights and batteries, cell phone chargers, and a manual can opener.
Hurricane supplies kit items Photo Source: Flickr/US Embassy You need to secure your home as well. Start by tying down gutters and downspouts. Secure doors and windows. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to minimize damage they will cause when blown by hurricane winds. Purchase a portable generator or install one in your home in the event of a power outage.
Emergency Plans
The National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends developing different types of plans besides just one for your family. Business owners need a workplace plan. Schools and daycares need a school emergency plan for children. And pet owners need plans for how to care for and shelter their pets during an emergency. During a hurricane, typical means of communication could be temporarily rendered useless. So it’s critical your family has an emergency communication plan according to FEMA. Should members of your family be separated prior to the hurricane striking, the emergency communication plan should include the following:
Safe locations and meeting spots Plans for how to get to those meeting spots Ability to get in touch if cell phones, landlines, and the internet aren’t working A way for your family to get emergency alerts A means to let your family know you’re safe if you aren’t with them.
Also, create a master copy of all contact info for your entire family. The list should include cell phone, home, and work numbers, social media handles, and email addresses. Meeting or gathering places should include three types; in your neighborhood, a local spot in your town, and somewhere outside of your town, such as a relative’s house. Whether you live in an area that’s potentially subjected to hurricanes or not, it’s important that you take family disaster planning hurricanes seriously. Better to be safe than sorry. Feature Photo Source: Flickr/NOAA Photo Library
title: “How To Prepare For A Hurricane” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-20” author: “Steven Jones”
Contact the local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter, and ask for the community hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include information on the safest evacuation routes and nearby shelters. Learn safe routes inland. Be ready to drive 20 to 50 miles inland to locate a safe place.
Flashlight and extra batteries Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries First aid kit and manual Emergency food and water Nonelectric can opener Essential medicines Cash and credit cards Sturdy shoes
Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on local animal shelters.
Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water. Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood–marine plywood is best–cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm. Trim back dead or weak branches from trees. Check into flood insurance. You can find out about the National Flood Insurance Program through your local insurance agent or emergency management office. (There is normally a 30-day waiting period before a new policy becomes effective. Homeowners polices do not cover damage from the flooding that accompanies a hurricane.)
In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the “family contact.” After a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
Listen to a battery-operated radio or television for hurricane progress reports. Check emergency supplies. Fuel car. Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside. Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows. Remove outside antennas. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils. Review evacuation plan. Moor boat securely or move it to a designated safe place. Use rope or chain to secure boat to trailer. Use tiedowns to anchor trailer to the ground or house.
