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Every year from the beginning of June until the end of November, hurricane season beckons, resulting in an average of 11 tropical storms developing over the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Carribean Sea. Six of these usually turn into hurricanes, which may strike the United States anywhere from the coast of Maine to the coast of Texas. For those that may live in these hurricane prone areas, this guide will provide you with tips on how to survive a hurricane.
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Introduction
- Do you live in a locale that is threatened every year by the possibility of a powerful hurricane? When the month of June arrives, are you automatically on alert, listening to the local weather reports in case disaster strikes and you are forced to evacuate? If so, you might be interested in learning some survival tips for riding out the storm. This guide will provide you with information on how to survive a hurricane.
Step 1: Learn About Hurricanes
- If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, then it is important to learn all you can about them in case one strikes and you are forced to take action. Hurricanes are tropical weather disturbances, dangerous storms packing winds in excess of 74 miles per hour. They are categorized by the strength of their winds, category 1 being the weakest with winds reaching up to 95 miles per hour and category 5 being the strongest, with wind speeds exceeding 156 miles per hour.
- If you live on the east coast of the U.S. starting in Maine, or any other coastal area extending to the southern coast of Texas, you are at risk for a hurricane. Hurricane hazards you should be aware of include:
- High winds
- Floods
- Storm surge
- Tornadoes
Step 2: Know When to Evacuate
- Hurricanes are often predicted to make landfall at a certain place, but end up striking elsewhere. This prompts people in at risk areas to downplay the warnings and risks associated with these powerful storms, which may include massive flooding. This is what happened in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, and can be used as an example of what happens when warnings are not taken seriously by the public or by authorities.
- Making the decision to evacuate is not an easy one, but it can save your life. Many people do not want to leave their homes, or falsely believe that the threats are being exaggerated. If there is a mandatory evacuation issued where you live, listen! Be aware of your location in proximity to the ocean, and even if the evacuation is not mandatory, be prepared to leave. If you have family or friends closer inland, consider staying with them and securing your home before leaving.
Step 3: Plan Ahead
- Before hurricane season starts, it is a good idea to develop an emergency plan for your family to follow should disaster strike. This means:
- Having a meeting place in case you should get separated
- Having an emergency contact
- Designating the safest area in your home
- Determining the most effective evacuation route
- Having a carrier to transport your pet
- You should also put together a disaster supply kit. You may want to include:
- Water
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Non-perishable food
- Blankets
- Radio
- Important documents on you and your home
Step 4: Secure Your Home
- Whether or not you plan on evacuating when a hurricane threatens, there are precautions you can take ahead of time to secure your home. You should:
- Obtain flood insurance. Homeowner's insurance does not mean you are protected against flood damage, so check your policy in case you need additional coverage.
- Secure your home against wind, which is one of the biggest threats associated with hurricanes. You should concentrate on reinforcing the roof, doors, garage doors, straps and shutters prior to storm season:
- You can also secure your windows before the storm by boarding them up
- Move furniture and important items to the highest area of your home. You may want to put some things on your bed.
Step 5: Ride Out the Storm
- Sometimes there is not enough time for proper evacuation. This usually occurs when a hurricane changes course at the last moment, but can also be a problem when people wait to evacuate at the last minute. If you have to ride out the storm, here are some tips:
- During the storm, get to a safe place such as the bathtub or an interior, first floor room. Protect yourself with a mattress or similar item, as this will protect you should debris get tossed around in your home.
- Turn off all your utilities
- Remain on guard when all goes silent, as this likely means you are in the hurricane's eye, which is a period of calm before the backside of the storm arrives, usually packing more power
Conclusion
Hurricanes are powerful storms that should be taken very seriously, especially if you live in a coastal area along the beach, where threats of hurricanes are even stronger and run more risk of damage from storm surge related flooding. It is important to start preparing early to ensure your safety should a hurricane strike near you.
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