How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane

Hurricane season is around the corner, and it’s one of the major downsides of living along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. You know how to prep your home and belongings to withstand the hurricane and have all of the necessary items to survive including batteries, water, food, and flashlights. So, the watch is over, a hurricane warning has been issued, and you have less than 24 hours to get everything in place to ensure the safety of your family and yourself. Now what do you do?

Make a Plan

It is important that you and your loved ones have an emergency plan before disaster strikes. Keep in mind that you may not be together at that fateful time; therefore, you should identify the best ways to contact one another in case you’re separated.

Ensure that you also agree on a meeting place that is easy to find. Remember to take with you your pets when evacuating, as well. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you take your pets with you either in a pet carrier or on leashes.

Stay Informed

Know what the local authorities are saying about the hurricane. When is it coming? Can you and your family evacuate? If so, DO! If not, make sure you know the possible shelter locations, whether it is your own home or some sort of communal location.

Seal Your Windows

Even the mildest hurricanes can quickly bring winds of over 100mph that can send things flying into your windows. Apart from damaging your property, the glass from your windows can cause serious injuries to you and your family members. Use plywood boards and nails to seal all windows. You may also want to consider installing permanent storm shutters if you live in a hurricane-prone area. This way, when a storm approaches you will only flip them closed.

Get to Your Shelter

Make sure you get yourself, your family, and your most precious valuables into the shelter area at least 2 hours before the hurricane arrives. It is important that you are in a sturdy structure when the storm comes. Your shelter should be in the lowest part of the house or building that you’re in. It should also be away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.

The basement is the best, but if you don’t have a basement go to the lowest, small interior room. If your home is about to become flooded, turn off electricity at the main breaker and turn off your main appliances, including water heaters and air conditioner, to reduce damage. You may also want to consider evacuating and find a safe shelter. Avoid being in close contact with others, because it may increase your risk of catching stomach illnesses and colds.

Get Low

As the storm is upon you, lie low to the ground and under a sturdy object (i.e. desk, table, etc.). This will keep you covered if your house is blown away by the winds. While the winds by themselves are dangerous, the debris that flies around in the storm storm poses the largest threat. Remember also to wear insect repellent, because the stagnant water may be breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Don’t be Tricked by the Eye

The eye of the hurricane brings an eerie silence that can make you think the storm is over. It’s not! The eye is the most dangerous part of the storm; this is where  the hurricane’s speed and strength are measured.. The back wall of the eye of the hurricane will come fast and strong. Stay in your shelter until you hear from the NOAA that all is clear and you are safe to come out. There may also be tornadoes that come with the eye of the hurricane. These are accompanied by quiet, calm skies with a greenish color and a quickly forming funnel.

Be Aware

Even after the storm has passed and the “all clear” has been given, there may still be potential danger. Stay away from glass windows and doors for at least 30 minutes after the storm passes. There will be a lot of debris outside, meaning a lot of hazards to you. Wires, power lines, leaking gas, all can lead to injuries or death. Make sure you are using your generator properly so you don’t get carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, don’t drink the tap water until authorities have confirmed that it isn’t contaminated. Most important, stay calm and aware after emerging in the aftermath of a hurricane.

Are you Prepared for the Next Hurricane?

Hurricane season is here. Are you prepared? Do you know how you’re going to survive when one hits your home? Although forecasting techniques and tools have improved over the last few years, people are still at high risk of tropical hurricanes and storms. To protect yourself and your loved ones, visit Tac & Survival today and learn vital life skills.

To your survival,

Richard Marshall