Tips to stay safe during hurricane storms
July 21, 2011
In early June, Hurricane Beatriz blew heavily on Mexico’s Pacific coast, putting major ports and tourist areas on high alert for flash floods and rainfall. There were a few causalities with a family of three dying and one teenager missing. According to weather reports what begun as random showers and thunderstorms off Central America on June 14, grew in strength and developed into tropical depression on Sunday, after which it turned into a tropical storm later and by early Monday evening, it was categorized as a ‘category one hurricane’. Dozens of trees have been reported to have fallen, causing injury to people and destruction of cars and other property. The start of the 2011 Hurricane season is in full effect and property owners should be weary of potential damages and flash flooding disasters.
In these adverse times, one has to be really careful about protecting life and property from tropical storms and hurricanes. Hurricane winds blow at 100 miles per hour and water. The water surge can be as high as 20 feet, these cyclones are dangerous and it is better to prepared especially for the months between June and November which are earmarked as hurricane season.
1. You have to expect the worst because you never know which form or intensity natural hazard can take. So listen to hurricane warnings and prepare your house and household. Make sure your vehicle has enough gas so that you can get out quickly if your home is at risk. Stack up things or strengthen the doors and windows. Bring in things from the yard inside, which can fly away under the influence of high flying winds. In case, your family members are not at one place, make a plan as to how you will coordinate and reach a safe zone.
2. If there are mandatory evacuations to leave home, please heed to them. If you think that you can withstand the hurricane force, you may be terribly mistaken especially if the authorities are clear about the impact of the storm.
3. Leave early, so that you are not caught in traffic jam. Take along the necessary kit, including food provisions, clothes, prescription medicines, importance documents, insurance papers, jewelry etc. Bring out these that cannot be insured by the insurance company like collector items and pictures. Large items like TV, furniture may be difficult to move because they will only slow down the evacuation process. Get cash ahead of time because ATMs will not work due to power cut during storms.
4. In case, it is difficult to leave your house, it is better to stay indoors. Also one important thing- do not venture out if the hurricane eye passes by your house, because the strong winds can lash out once the eye away. Stay away from doors and windows and stay put at the center of the house. This is because the windows may fly in and debris may rush in. There may be no grocery for a week and no electricity as well, so make arrangements for this one week in advance. It goes without saying that one has to reinforce windows and doors for double protection. Taping the windows is just a myth and does not offer any protection. Also do not venture to the basement and attic because they are prone to damage.
