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Hurricanes Preparedness
Hurricanes Preparedness | Hurricane Preparedness |
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| Tuesday, 18 September 2007 | |
     What are the benefits of hurricane preparedness?The most essential benefit to hurricane preparedness is hurricane safety. To prevent loss of life or property people should adequately prepare in advance of a hurricane. The lack of preparation for hurricanes can result in personal injury; lack of food, clean water and electricity; and even death. The media focused a spotlight on the devastating results of a major hurricane on a metropolitan area when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf region. The lack of hurricane preparedness was clearly evident among many residents and government agencies alike.What do I need to know about hurricane preparedness?When thinking about hurricane preparedness, here are a couple of things to keep in mind. Everyone needs water to survive, so one must ask themselves: “is my water safe to drink?” Since hurricanes can be accompanied by tidal surges or flooding, local water sources are susceptible to contamination. Simply assuming tap water is safe to drink in hurricane affected areas is a bad idea. Buying bottled water is an easy way to ensure you have safe drinking water. If you do not have bottled water the best way to sanitize water is by boiling it. Individuals and families should have a minimum of three days of drinkable and potable water per person in the event of a hurricane. An ample supply of water is critical for effective hurricane preparedness. Make sure if you are in a flood affected area you practice personal hygiene. Flood water is not sanitary and may cause health issues if consumed. Use only potable water.Another method of preparation for a hurricane is to have nonperishable items such as canned foods. Make sure not to eat anything that might have been in contact with hurricane waters. Sanitize all cooking materials before use. Among your hurricane supply kit, bleach can be used in a variety of fashions to sanitize utensils and dishes. If you are without power for a prolonged period of time, it is not good to open the refrigerator. If a refrigerator is sealed, it can keep foods cold about four hours. If you think you might be without power for longer stocking up on dry ice can keep refrigerated and frozen foods cooler longer. A hurricane supply kit is another critical aspect of hurricane preparedness. Some of the things you want to keep in your hurricane supply kit are canned food, can opener, minimum of three gallons of water per person, bleach, flashlights, batteries, and a battery operated radio for weather and disaster recovery updates. You should also include a first aid kit and necessary medications. Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding (sleeping bag) are also good for your hurricane supply kit. Include any special items for elderly, disabled, and children. Hurricane protection is essential to know what is meant by a hurricane watch and hurricane warning. A hurricane watch is when hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch usually within 36 hours. During a hurricane watch you want to prepare to bring in all your law equipment, outside furniture and any other outside items that might be blown away by hurricane winds. Prepare to cover all you windows, and fill your gas tank. This is also the time to make sure your hurricane supply kit is fully stocked. An emergency hurricane evacuation plan should ready to be executed as soon if not before a hurricane warning is issued. A hurricane warning is when hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area usually within 24 hours. At the onset of a hurricane warning, complete all activities you where preparing started during the hurricane watch. During this time, people should stay at home or evacuate if necessary. Remember the “eye” calm center of the hurricane is just the precursor to the worst part of the tropical cyclone. Always be alert for tornadoes, they sometimes accompany hurricanes when they make landfall. The best thing to do for tornadoes is to remain indoors and in the center of your home in a closet or bathroom with no windows. After the hurricane has passed avoid flood waters. Down electricity lines can create extremely dangerous areas in flooded areas. If you are caught on the road with rapidly rising water levels, get out of the car and find higher ground immediately. Hurricane preparedness also includes knowing what evacuation routes you can take in case a hurricane evacuation has been ordered for your area. Driving around your local neighborhood will help you know evacuation routes posted in your area. Consulting city and county hurricane preparedness guides will shed insight into possible hurricane evacuation routes. Having a family hurricane evacuation plan is important for the safety of one’s family. Make sure to keep a written plain and show it to friends and other family members, so they know where to locate and contact you in case of a hurricane evacuation. Also have an out of state friend or family member be a single point of contact for family members if you are separated during a major hurricane. Discuss and plan for hazards and vulnerabilities of your house against storm surge, flooding, and high winds. Hurricane preparedness involves the protection of home and other assets during a hurricane. After a hurricane has passed only go back to evacuated areas when local authorities say it is ok. Inspect home for damage and avoid flood areas. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 04 October 2007 ) |
Current Activity - Hurricane Season 2007
| Tropical Advisories from Weather Underground |
| Weather Underground Current North Atlantic Tropical Advisories |
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| Hurricane Headquarters / South Florida Sun-Sentinel |
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