Hurricanes Tips
Read these 31 Hurricanes Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Emergency tips and hundreds of other topics.
A warning has been issued
The leading edge of the storm is just hours away. Complete all preparations as soon as possible.
Move all your supplies and survival kits into your safe room. This includes the family pets in their carriers.
Close all interior doors. Secure and brace all external doors, particularly double inward-opening doors and garage doors.
STAY INSIDE!
Tune into local radio stations for further updates.
Living alone in hurricane country
If you are an older adult, living alone, you don't have to ride out the storm alone. Form a Hurricane Club" with other older persons who live alone as well. Listed below are things your "club" can do to prepare for a hurricane.
Meet at least twice a month to discuss what must be done for hurricane preparedness.
Decide in who's home your "Safe Room" should be. This should be a central location that can be reached in a matter of moments with little to no difficulty.
Assign persons to help those who will need assistance in reaching the safe room.
Form a "Phone Tree" to pass on information should a hurricane threaten.
Make a list of hurricane supplies and assign each person several items to contribute to the stash. Each person should also have a hurricane emergency kit suited to their own needs, (see the category on this website dealing with 72-hour emergency kits). Have a meeting to discuss assembling these kits and see if anyone will need help in acquiring the contents. Sometimes deals can be had if purchasing cases of items that can be divided up for individual kits, thus saving you money and time. If this is the case, assign each person items to purchase for the individual kits. I am always running across bargains to share with my friends. These kits should be stored either in the home of the safe room or in a highly accessible place in each members homes so as not to be overlooked in times of evacuation to the safe room.
Make a list of things to do, such as making window panels, tapping windows, making the safe room safe.
Make a chart showing who will help do what to ensure that each member's homes are prepared for the hurricane. (Several of the men could be responsible for putting up shutters or plywood window panels, women could be responsible for filling water jugs, making sure that everyone turns up refrigerators and freezers, etc.)
Assign one person to keep updated on the weather and what watches and warnings are issued. This person would then call the head of the phone tree to start the process of notification of other members. If a warning is issued, the phone tree would then advise all members to meet at the safe room and remind them to bring any emergency supplies they are in charge of.
A club of this nature keeps you from having the added stress and fear of weathering a storm alone. A lot of seniors are not living close to family members and are anxious when faced with the possibility of being alone during a disaster such as a hurricane. This way, you are not alone and it is a great way to make friends and be totally prepared. As it is often said, there is safety in numbers!
Protecting your
If your selected room has windows, you must have some form of window protection. 5/8 inch plywood panels screwed or nailed over the windows will protect them and you from injury. If you cannot place panels over the windows, tape from the inside to contain shards of flying glass. Cover the window with a bed mattress or other padding material to help with protection from wind and glass.
What to do
Don't wait until a hurricane or tropical storm is near to begin to prepare for them. Once a hurricane watch is sent out, it is too late to begin preparations. Supplies, preparations, fortification of your home and most of all, time, is running dangerously low.
This time before the storm is critical. You should begin planning before a storm threatens though realistically, many final preparations will be made as the hurricane nears shore. Normally, there is adequate advance warning but hurricanes can be fickle and change course or decrease and increase intensity with in a very short time.
Be aware of where you live and make plans for evacuation.
Make plans for the care and safety of your pets.
Check your insurance policy and make sure you have adequate coverage for your valuables and your home.
Make sure you have your storm shutters or panels in good supply and condition.
Make sure that you have enough emergency provisions for the family.
Before the storm approaches, make sure your car is gassed up and in good repair. Should you have to evacuate, you don't want to have to stop for gas.
Have enough cash on hand. People forget, the banks will be closed, and without power, the automated teller machines will not work.
The most important thing will be food and water. Make sure you have an ample supply for at least three days. Shop early to avoid the panic and empty shelves in the supermarkets.
Your home and property
You should check your home for the necessary fortification in the event of a hurricane. Make sure that the proper bracings and anchors for roofs, doors and patios are in place and up to code.
Have a photographic inventory to show what the property looked like before the storm for insurance purposes.
The four distinct hazards of hurricanes
Tropical storms and hurricanes present four distinct hazards to us.
Storm Surge--The most dangerous hazard, storm surge, is a large dome of water that is pushed up on the land as the hurricane comes ashore. The shallowness of the coastal waters and the strong winds intensify the effects of this phenomenon. This is the main cause of flooding, loss of boats and other property along the coast. It is extremely dangerous and all beach front areas, piers and lowlands should be avoided during the storm.
Winds--The winds that generate storm surge also cause damage themselves. Most vulnerable to these winds are trees, power lines, mobile homes, signs, recreational vehicles, homes and businesses with unprotected windows, and people. The threat to people comes from being outside and being hit with flying debris, falling tree limbs, signs and shards of glass from broken windows.
Tornadoes--As they move on shore, hurricanes can spawn numerous tornadoes. These tornadoes can occur without warning and add to the destructive and dangerous potential of the hurricane.
Rain--Hurricanes and tropical storms often bring very heavy rains for extended periods of time. From 6-8 inches of rain can fall in 24 hours or less producing flooding in many areas.
Hurricane kits
Before the beginning of the season is the time to begin making a hurricane kit. (Also, see tips on 72-hour emergency kits.) Listed below are items you should have in a kit for hurricanes.
Cash--without power, banks and ATM's will be closed. In an emergency setting, most places will not accept credit cards, but if you are going out of the area, you should have a credit card for hotels, restaurants, and gas.
Drinking water--at least one gallon per person per day for two weeks
Medications--for at least four weeks
First-aid kit--including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses and a good first-aid guide.
Nonperishable foods--at least two weeks supply. Military MRE meals are a good thing to use.
Flashlights and batteries--for each member of the family. Be sure to rotate the batteries so they are always fresh and have an extra supply on hand.
Portable radio and batteries--It is a good idea to have at least seven sets of batteries for each item requiring batteries.
Insect repellent
Coolers--at least two large--one good for food and the other to keep ice. Make your own ice blocks in your freezer using cardboard half-gallon milk cartons. Ice will be in short supply and can cost you as much as ten dollars, cash, in an emergency.
Charcoal--use in an bbq for cooking--will also be in short supply so stock up.
Plastic tarp--for roof or window repair. Screening, garbage bags, tools and nails should also be on hand.
Water purification kit--tablets, chlorine bleach or iodine work also.
Infant necessities--medications, sterile water, diapers, ready formula, bottles.
Clean-up supplies--mops, buckets, towels, disinfectant.
Camera and film--for documenting damage to property
Non-electric can opener--must have
Plastic trash bags--used for clean-up, rain ponchos, trash removal, tarps, and portable toilets.
Toilet paper, paper towels, and pre-moistened towelettes.
If you purchase anything after the storm, keep the reciepts. Insurance may cover costs of emergency supplies, especially food and ice.
An overview
A hurricane is a cyclonic wind, moving at a speed of 74 miles per hour or more. Its center, or eye, with the diameter of from 7 to 20 miles, is a spiral of low pressure, a place of calm, where the winds blow lazily and the skies are clear. Around this core, the air moves at terrifying speeds of up to 200 miles an hour.
Heavy rains accompany the winds. The power of a hurricane is sobering. Taking in and converting to energy a quarter of a million tons of water every second, the average hurricane generates a force equal to 500,000 atom bombs. A recorded hurricane in Puerto Rico dumped 2 1/2 billion tons of water in about three hours which was only a fraction to its total outpouring.
Checklist for preparedness
Refer to a map and make sure you have your evacuation route and alternate routes plotted. Locate where you live and determine your evacuation level. Determine if and when you would evacuate. Remember, all mobile home residents will be advised to evacuate and in most cases this becomes mandatory.
Decide where you will go if ordered to evacuate.
Check you disaster survival kits and make sure that you have all items you need before the storm.
Keep home in good repair. Tack down any loose roofing and siding. Trim dead or broken branches from surrounding trees.
Make the minor inprovements, such as bracing the gable ends of roofs, needed to make your home safer. Contact a professional engineer, licensed contractor or architect to inspect your home for structural integrity
Make plans and purchase materials to protect your home before the storm such as plywood shutters, or protective window film; plastic sheeting, nails or screws, etc.
Purchase a battery powered weather alert radio and extra batteries
Inventory your property using a camera or a video camera. Store insurance, title papers in a safe place and have copies made to have in your kit. A good tip is to send a copy of all important papers to a relative out of the area in case your papers are lost or destroyed.
Make sure your address is clearly marked on your home.
Whether your rent or own your home, review your insurance policies with your agent now.
Make sure your car is in good repair and is gassed up at all times.
Have all important phone numbers listed in an accessable place.
Make plans for your pets if you have to leave them.
Have a contact plan for all members of your immediate family in case disaster strikes when separated.
If you are evacuating
You may have to evacuate to a shelter for a while. The Red Cross does not allow any alcoholic beverages, weapons or pets into the shelters. Here is a list of the items that you should bring with you for your own and your family's comfort.
Pillows, blankets, sleeping bags and if sleeping on floor you might like to have a blow-up air mattress.
Extra clothing, shoes, eye glasses
Lightweight folding chairs, cots
Personal hygiene items
Quiet games, books, playing cards, and favorite toys for the children.
Important papers including drivers license, special medical information, insurance policies and property inventories
When a Hurricane Watch is issued
When a hurricane watch is issued in your area, you have 36 hours to prepare. Now is the time to:
Frequently monitor our favorite TV or radio station for weather updates.
Check our hurricane supplies and survival kits.
Contact family members to coordinate whereabouts and efforts.
Turn refrigerator/freezer settings to the coldest.
Round up family pets and confine to carriers or a safe room. Turn out livestock or relocate to emergency animal shelters.
Begin installing shutters or pre-cut plywood panels.
Pool owners: Don't drain your pool completely, drop water level by one to two feet. Place outdoor furniture and pool equipment into the pool. Turn off electricity to pool pump. Add extra chlorine to compensate for heavy rains.
Fill your fuel tanks early: Automobiles, propane, etc.
Place valuables into waterproof containers or plastic bags. (computers, tv, stereo, should all be covered with plastic for protection.) Place appliances and or furniture on blocks to raise above water seepage from rain, wind or storm surge.
Get extra cash
Since your water service could be disrupted or your water supply contaminated, fill plastic jugs with water and freeze. Fill emergency water containers NOW!
Sterilze bathtub, jugs, bottles, cooking utensils and other containers that will be used for water storage. To do this, scrub thoroughly with a solution of water and liquid chlorine bleach and rinse. Let the tub and containers dry, then fill with water.
Your sewer services are suseptable to disruption also. Keep 5-gallon buckets, with tight fitting lids, for use as emergency toilets. Line each bucket with a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
Boarding windows
When purchasing plywood for covering your windows and doors, purchase a thickness of no less than 5/8 of an inch. Drill permanent holes for screws so that these can be removed and stored for other storms. If they are coated with marine-spar varnish or other water-proof coating, they will last indefinitely.
Custom storm shutters are ideal, but they can be quite costly.
Outdoor items
Secure any outdoor objects that might be blown away or uprooted. This includes garbage cans, patio furniture, bar-b-ques, garden tools, toys, and signs.
These items may seem harmless until blown about by hurricane force winds, making them as deadly as any wartime missles.
Supplying your "safe room"
Move your water and food supply or emergency kits to your safe room. Move your battery-operated radio and flashlights there as well. Bring your important papers, pet carriers, cell-phones and other items of imprtance to the room. Have blankets, pillows and entertainment items in there.
What is it?
If you live in an area that is not required to evacuate and cannot protect all your windows and doors, for whatever reason, you must identify and protect a portion of your house for a "Safe Room"!
A safe room is just that...a safe place for your family to weather out the storm that is equipped with all your emergency supplies.
Warnings and Advisories
Do you know what the storm terms mean? What is the difference between a warning or a watch? I have listed some of the terms for the different storms and warnings below.
Tropical Depression--A disturbance with a clearly defined low pressure area; highest wind is 38 miles an hour.
Tropical Storm--A distinct low pressure area defined by a counterclockwise rotating circulation with winds of 39-73 mph.
Hurricane--Once a tropical storm's consistant wind speed reaches 74 mph or greater, it is classified as a hurricane. In the western pacific, hurricanes are called "typhoons" and simular storms in the indian Ocean are called "cyclones".
Tropical Storm Watch--An alert for specific areas that a tropical storm may pose a threat within 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning--An alert that tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39-73 mph, are expected in an area within 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch--An alert for specific areas that hurricane conditions pose a threat to an area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning--An alert that hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area within 24 hours. All precautions should be completed immediately.
Evacuation Order--The most important instruction you will recieve. Once issued, an evacuation order is mandatory.
When to go and how long to stay
Go into your safe room when outside conditions worsen. Go immediately if you hear a hurricane warning issued. Do not leave the safe room until the all clear is issued on the radio. Don't be fooled by the calm "eye of the storm".
Family pets and hurricanes
Often the most forgotten in an emergency, you need to make provisions for your family pets and livestock. If you stay or evacuate, place your pet in a secure carrier when the first watch is issued. More sensitive to the atmospheric conditions, animals will seek shelter and hide when faced with catastrophic weather conditions. Secure your pets in their carriers for easy transportation or just for confinement and be sure to have adequate food and water with you. NEVER, never leave your pet tied up in a storm outside!
Family pets are not allowed in public shelters. If you must leave your pet at home, prepare an area that is easily cleaned, such as a bathroom or utility room. Do not leave your pet near a window. Leave several days supply of food and water in non-spillable containers. If you live in an area that will flood, leave your pet on the second level of your house or in the carrier placed on a counter above the high water line. Survey the area with a critical eye. The decisions you make for your pet will make the difference between life or death.
Horses and other livestock have a better chance for survival when turned out in a clean pasture with native vegetation.
There are many designated evacuation locations for pets and livestock in your area. Call your local chamber or commerce or animal shelter to find which is the closest to you for the safety of your pet. Read more about the survival of our pets in disaster situations in the category Pets and Livestock on this website.
Inside the house
If you have your storage on a lower floor, you may want to move it to a higher floor to avoid any damage that high tides or flooding may do to it. Move all valuables (furniture, appliances, papers) to upper floors as well, to keep it dry.
The hurricane season
The hurricane season is between June 1 to November 30, and hurricanes are most likely to strike along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. In the pacific ocean, they are called tropical storms or typhoons.
Advice for Older Adults (part one)
In Florida, there are a great number of retired adults and elderly, frail or disabled people. The normally mild and warm weather agrees with them and offers a wonderful living environment. But, when a hurricane strikes, there are those who will definitely need assistance.
Elderly persons are especially susceptible to the effects of a hurricane. Those who live alone or are without the support of family or friends must take special precautions in the event of an emergency situation. People who are frail or disabled either physically or mentally may need special assistance from family members, friends or social service agencies. Older adults who are also caregivers may require outside assistance. Excessive stress and anxiety can contribute to increased episodes of illness, particularly for persons with heart disease and other illnesses. If an older adult lives in a nursing home, assisted living faciltiy (ALF) or boarding home, the administrator should be contacted to learn about the disaster plan for that facility.
Determine if you live in an evacuation area and plan for it
Be aware of the area in which you live. It is entirely likely if you live on a barrier island, in or near a coastal area or a flood plain that you will have to evacuate at some point. You need to make evacuation plans in advance to know where you will go and how you will get there.
Will you go to friends, relatives or an inland hotel? What is the best route to get there? Can you take your pets with you or do you have to make other plans for them? Where are the nearest shelters to you?
Taping windows
Taping windows does not insure they will not break. Tape windows from the inside. If they should break, this keeps shards fo glass from flying around and causing injury and even death.
Windows
Windows are the biggest victims (along with roofs) of a hurricane. Many are broken or blown in by the wind and flying debris. Board over your windows or protect them with storm shutters. If you do not have either of these, use a criss-crossing of a strong, waterproof tape. The larger the window, the greater the chance it will be broken by the pressure of the intense winds.
Large sheets of plywood work extremly well, can be cut to fit the windows and used again and again. With good planning, you can purchase the plywood in advance, cut it, drill holes for the screws or nails and waterpoof it with a good brand waterproof varnish or sealer.
How to select a "safe room"
A "Safe Room" can be a room in the center of your home or a room that has small or few windows. If you live in a two-story house away from the water, go to an interior first-floor room, such as a bathroom, closet or under the stairs. If you live in a multi-story building away from the water, go to the first or second floors and take refuge in halls or other interior rooms away from windows. Interior stairwells and the areas around elevator shafts generally are the strongest parts of a building.
Advice for Older Adults (part two)
If you are living alone or with a partner unassisted, there are things you should do to prepare in case of a hurricane. Older adults have special concerns and these should be addressed before a hurricane happens.
If a hurricane has been forecast, keep a battery-operated radio handy for weather updates. While the electricity is still on, keep a radio or televison set on to keep up on the storm. Follow all instructions as to evacuation, watches or warnings.
Make an emergency kit for yourself and your spouse or partner. Include copies of identification, list of medications you are on, any special health problems, insurance cards, and important papers such as insurance policies for your home, car and other property. (See my tips on emergency kits under 72-hour kits on this website.) Keep this kit in a place that is accessable at all times.
Have a list of important names, addresses and phone numbers wher they can be easily accessed. Include family, friends, doctors, hospitals, etc.
In the event of a warning, notify someone of your whereabouts and your intentions should you need to evacuate.
If you are going to drive, notify someone of your intended route, alternate routes and your final destination. Telephone them when you are leaving and give them a rough estimate of your arrival time. Gas up your car well in advance and keep it in good repair.
Make sure you have on hand enough medications for at least four weeks. Keep a spare pair of glasses on hand in case of one pair is damaged or broken.
If you live in a mobile home be aware that evacuation in most counties is mandatory.
Winds and water!
When winds reach 74 miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected within 24 hours, a "warning" will be issued in a specific coastal area. If you hear this, begin precautionary actions immediately. Unless advised to evacuate, stay indoors during the hurricane. Travel is extremely dangerous when the wind and tides are whipping through your area.
Most people are killed during a hurricane because they ignore the warnings and go outside where debris is being whipped around. The debris can cause bodily injury and for the less fortunate, death. Also, people seem to get a thrill from watching the high tides and rough seas. Many people have lost their lives by being pulled into the ocean and drowned or by trying to drive through high water on the streets. Stay indoors when advised and follow instructions when asked to evacuate.
Be forwarned
Hurricanes can be dangerous killers, provoking incredible destruction to persons and property. If you live in a coastal area, be prepared at the start of each hurricane season. Check your supply of boards, tools, batteries, non-perishable foods, and other equipment such as flashlights, first-aid kits, fire extinguisher, and battery-powered tools.
Hurricane category levels
There are five levels of hurricanes beginning with the tropical storm which has no category level. Below is a listing of categories.
Tropical storm--minor winds: 39-73 mph with storm surges of 3-5 feet.
Category one--Minimal winds: 74-95 mph with storm surge of 5-7 feet.
Category Two--Moderate winds: 96-110 mph with storm surges of 7-12 feet
Category Three--Extensive winds: 111-130 mph with storm surges of 12-15 feet.
Category Four--Extreme winds: 131-155 mph with storm surges of 15-20 feet.
Category Five--Catastrophic winds: 156+ mph with storm surges of 20-24+ feet
To show you the effects of different hurricanes I have listed two hurricanes below:
1992--Hurricane Andrew was a Category Four with winds up to 150 mph. Damage estimate $30 billion
1985--Hurricane Elena Category Three with winds of 111-130 mph caused $100 million in damages to Pinellas County, Florida alone. This storm lasted three days and was not a direct hit to this county.
Drinking water
During a Hurricane, water is of prime importance. You need enough for the duration of the hurricane, perhaps two to three days, plus a sufficient amount to cover any subsequent shortage due to broken water mains or contamination. Fill the bathtubs and any other usable containers with drinking water. Before the hurricane strikes, turn-off the water and follow utility advice on what to so about the service lines. This way you can use water already in the lines without fear of contamination.
If you have your supplies up to date, you should have water stored in unbreakable, sealed containers. You should also have on hand water purification tablets or a filtering system. Remember, you will need at least two liters of water per person per day including the family pets.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Lynne Christen |
