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Hurricane Survival:
A high wind in itself is not the principal danger.
It is rather the fact that a hurricane blows around debris, shreds buildings and
turns objects into missiles. These storm systems are usually accompanied by
heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms. Before this occurs, have a plan for
survival.
The safest place to be during any high wind storm
is a basement, away from windows, in the middle room or closet of the house and
under a heavy piece of furniture.
Invest in a National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) weather radio to keep track of what is going on. These
broadcasts are sent out via VHF radio waves, so any receiver that can pick up
such broadcasts will do.
If you do not have a basement, go to the
inner-most closet or bathroom without windows and hide under heavy furniture.
Some companies manufacture prefabricated shelters that you drop into a hole in
the ground; they are havens against heavy winds.
During a hurricane, listen to the news to
determine which type of hurricane is coming your way so you will know if you
should stay home and endure the storm or go to a safe shelter.
Tornadoes can be spawned by hurricanes; it might
be a good idea to read our extra section on tornadoes as well. Quickly, here are
some warnings of an impending tornado:
*A swampy-greenish to greenish-black color to the
sky.
*A sharp, fresh smell in the air that seems
unusual.
*If there is a watch or warning posted and you see
hail.
*An eerie moment of silence after a thunderstorm.
*Clouds that speed by quickly or in a rotating
motion.
*A sound that first sounds like a waterfall and
gets louder like a train.
*Debris dropping from the sky.
*A funnel cloud or debris rotating in a funnel
pattern.
If you see a tornado that does not appear to be
moving to the right or to the left when viewed in relation to the trees and
power poles in the distance, it could be headed straight for you.
With a hurricane, you have the luxury of time to
prepare in comparison to a tornado. The conditions for a hurricane are usually
spotted days before one actually develops. The sky looks similar to that of a
tornado, with the greenish cast that is almost black. There is an eerie calm
before the storm; then it hits a wide area for awhile.
If the eye of the hurricane passes over you,
you'll hear an eerie silence once again, so don't be fooled and think it is
over. That quickly passes and the winds whip again.
If you know a hurricane is coming your way,
examine the home you live in and listen to news reports so that you can
understand the ferocity of the coming storm. That way, you will know if you
should either stay or leave for a shelter.
If you stay at home, make sure you have sturdy
shutters securely locked to keep your windows (as well as everyone in the house)
safe. If you do not have shutters, use heavy plywood and nail it to the window
frame. Have your emergency kit handy and alternative lighting ready.
It might also be a good idea to invest in a small
generator, a small gas-powered motor that can produce small amounts of
electricity, providing you with essentials for a few hours at a stretch if power
lines are down after the storm. Get one before the storm hits: if you
wait till the storm has come and gone, you'll be looking for a generator with
everyone else. In that case, expect very long lines and seeing empty shelves
where generators used to sit in your local hardware store.
Listen to the battery operated radio or NOAA radio
so you can hear what is really going on outside and when it is safe to leave the
house. If you are in a car and spot evidence of oncoming bad winds, leave your
car and take shelter in the nearest building or in a ditch. Do not hide
in an overpass. A strong tornado could have the heavy steel and concrete on you
in an instant.
If you live in a trailer and there is an impeding
threat of a hurricane or tornado, leave the area immediately. You have no
protection against such winds. The metal can literally rip to pieces around you;
the shrapnel becomes a deadly weapon. If you are in a trailer park, see if there
is any way to get to a storm shelter for such occasions, or at least a ditch.
The very best option is to leave a trailer hours
beforehand. If a hurricane is coming, just go to a shelter during the storm.
Relax and read a book, play a game, or talk to whomever is around you.
Again, listen to the news for instructions. It may
be advisable for everyone to evacuate the area. If that's the case, take
your emergency kit. You may not be going home for awhile.
Many who live or vacation on a boat have also
considered staying with the docked vessel through a hurricane. It is a poor
idea. The hurricane is going to be at its most powerful as it first hits land,
meaning it is going to be hitting your little boat and ramming it into the dock
with everything its got. Secure the vessel as best you can, and go inland away
from the storm.
Understand that the power could go out for hours
or days. Have the emergency kit handy for anything that could happen. After the
winds have settled, be mindful of dangerous situations such as downed power
lines, broken gas pipes or neighbors in need of assistance. Help where you can -
but call authorities if a problem is simply beyond your abilities.
Hurricane Essentials
-Top Ten:
1.) Hurricanes are rated by wind speeds in
categories:
Category 1 = 74-95mph
Category 2 = 96-110mph
Category 3 = 111-130mph
Category 4 = 131-155mph
Category 5 = 156+ mph
A sharp and constant reader of our site will
notice that these categories are similar to the ones we've sighted for
tornadoes. There are differences, however. Firstly, hurricanes cannot reach the
speeds of the largest twisters, which can reach windspeeds of about 320 mph; but
one must remember that hurricanes offer the perfect breeding ground for
twisters. A good rule of thumb: if you're watching for or living through a
hurricane, you are under threat of experiencing a tornado.
It would be an excellent idea to read our article
on tornadoes as well.
The second difference is one we've already stated:
the heavy winds of a hurricane, while perhaps not quite as immediately powerful
as the biggest twisters, can remain on the ground for quite some time, attacking
with constant force.
The hurricane's constancy provides its own form of
deadliness. Keep that in mind as you prepare against it.
2.) Determine the level of risk for hurricane
impact where you live. Make plans to evacuate if and when the order is given,
and know where to go.
3.) Make a family disaster plan for hurricane
preparedness and practice your plan as a family.
4.) Prepare 72
hour Emergency Kits for each family member including pets. Check
batteries and replace water and packaged food every six months. We supply 20
Year Shelf Life Batteries and 5-Year
Shelf Life Water and Food
Products. Take these with you when you shelter, at home or at a
public shelter.
5.) If a hurricane watch is posted for your area,
it only means there is a probability a hurricane will reach your area, and you
should prepare as if it were coming at you. A hurricane warning however
means it is coming upon you and you need shelter immediately.
Hurricane watches give 36 hours to prepare, and
hurricane warnings give 24 hours to prepare.
6.) Know and post the TV and radio stations that
broadcast official emergency and weather information.
7.) Review your sheltering options. Special needs
should check with their home health care agencies and register with the
Emergency Management Office in their county.
8.) Know the locations of public shelters and
evacuation centers. Find out their rules, and decide on the items to take with
you. Alcoholic beverages, drugs, weapons and smoking is not permitted in public
shelters/evacuation centers. Find out about pets.
9.) Wait for the official "all clear" to
be issued from the emergency management authorities before returning home.
10.) When re-entry is allowed into damaged areas,
be sure to have verification of your home address. Non-residents should refrain
from "sight-seeing," which slows down emergency personnel. Also beware
of hazards such as downed lines, gas leaks, and sharp objects. Help your friends
and neighbors. Get training in emergency response and volunteer.
Planning:
We urge you to plan now what you and your family
will do if a hurricane should threaten to strike your area. If you consider the
alternatives, you'll see it's best to review the checklist before
disaster strikes.
Secure Your Home And Determine Your Plan Long
Ahead
SECURING YOUR HOME
You don't need to experience the fury of a killer
storm to learn one of its most valuable lessons: Covering doors and windows with
Gulfstream Shutters and Panels and securing roof trusses should be a priority
when preparing for a hurricane. The reason is simple: Houses are designed as
closed systems, and being shut tight is how they best withstand wind pressure.
If flying debris busts a window or fierce winds kick in a door, the winds
rushing inside will push the roof, trying to lift it, while the winds on the
outside will create a suction.
A bad combination.
Plan A: STAY HOME
If you plan to stay home, make sure it can
withstand a hurricane. A house or apartment building that meets current building
codes, if kept in good condition and not located in a flood area, could be safe
during a hurricane, provided you make the necessary preparations. A mobile home,
however, is not safe in hurricane conditions, no matter how securely it
is affixed to the ground.
Plan B: STAY WITH LOCAL FRIENDS OR RELATIVES
If you expect to stay at someone else's home
during the next hurricane, arrange it in advance. You will want to be sure their
home will be adequately prepared and supplied. Have an alternate plan ready in
case a hurricane comes when the other folks are out of town.
Plan C: RELOCATE OUTSIDE THE THREATENED AREA
If you intend to travel a few hundred miles to get
out of the threatened area, use a current road map to plan the route - but stay
clear of major bodies of water. If you have ill or disabled persons in your
home, get a doctor's advice on where they should stay if a hurricane hits. If
you relocate, do it early so you will avoid traffic jams and dangerous winds.
Plan D: GO TO A RED CROSS SHELTER
If you do not use plan A, B or C, Red Cross
emergency shelters will be available in assigned locations. The opening of such
shelters will be announced on radio and television. If you plan to go to a
shelter, be sure to leave as soon as the shelter's opening is announced, and
bring along your irreplaceable documents and bedding. Remember a shelter is a
last resort, so comforts must be sacrificed.
The
Texas
Hurricane Two-Step:
This last segment is from a web page found on the
Texas A&M web site for agricultural news;
it is short, very informative, and gives a fine example of how you and your
dearest should prepare for the great storm. Even though it concentrates on those
living in
Texas
, its lessons can be applied anywhere. Enjoy.
COLLEGE STATION -- Few people realize the
danger zone Texas is when it comes to hurricanes, and even fewer are prepared
when disaster strikes.
The state of
Texas
has endured 10 of the nation's 30 worst hurricanes since the 1900 storm that
devastated
Galveston
Island
, and thousands are living in high-risk areas with little knowledge of how to
survive if the worst happens.
Dr. Alma Fonseca, Brazoria County Extension
agent, says many Texans have acquired a false sense of security believing,
"It won't happen to me."
"People should find out what disasters are
likely to happen in their area," Fonseca said. "Those in places at
risk for a hurricane should plan ahead by preparing their homes, vehicles, pets,
and family."
Fonseca said before Texans can get to safety,
they need to be educated and prepared.
"Families should always have a disaster
supplies kit ready for an emergency," she said. "It should be packed
in a vehicle that is in good repair and full of gas."
Having a disaster supplies kit can save lives
and make a bad situation a little bit easier. A few of the things a disaster kit
should include are:
. First aid kit
. Three day supply of non-perishable food
. Bedding or sleeping bags
. Flashlights and batteries
. Money, checks or credit cards
. Toiletries
. Water (one gallon per person per day)
. Name, address and telephone number of
out-of-area
contact
. Battery-operated radio
In addition to a disaster supplies kit, Fonseca
said families should develop a preparedness plan.
"The plan needs to be known to all family
members," she said. "The basic preparedness plan has four steps. Do
your homework, create a family plan, make a checklist and update it
periodically, and practice and maintain what you have learned."
First of all, Texans should
contact
their local emergency management or civil defense office to find out which
disasters are possible near their home. They should also learn about their
community's warning signals and find out about plans for family and pets.
"Find out about the emergency response
plan for your workplace, your children's school or daycare, and any other place
your family spends a great deal of time," she said. "It is also smart
to find out about animal care in certain places, since pets may not be allowed
in shelters because of health regulations."
Next, Fonseca said [it's important to] to
discuss with your family the need to prepare for disaster. Explain the danger of
severe weather to children and form a plan with responsibilities for everyone on
the "team."
"Establish meeting areas inside and
outside your home, and make sure everyone knows when and where to
contact
each other if separated," says Fonseca. "Families should also
decide on escape routes out of their home, and what to do if advised to
evacuate."
Thirdly, make a checklist of important
emergency aid and update it periodically.
"Post emergency telephone numbers, and
make sure the children know how to use them. It is also a good idea to teach
everyone how to use a fire extinguisher, turn off the main valves in the house
and how to perform basic first aid."
Finally, Fonseca said [people and families
should] practice and maintain the plan. Test children's knowledge every six
months to help them remember, conduct emergency drills, and check smoke
detectors monthly.
"It is also smart to meet with neighbors
and plan how the neighborhood can work together after a disaster. Consider how
to help others with special needs, such as disabled and elderly persons, and
plan for child care in case parents can't get home," Fonseca said.
Fonseca also said that while there is no sure
way to predict when and where a hurricane will hit in Texas, both cities and
counties have emergency managers whose job is to prepare the community and its
citizens for these storms and other disasters.
"Your local officials will tell you when
to evacuate," she said. "During a hurricane watch, listen to your
radio or television constantly. Broadcasts will give special weather updates,
warning messages, and evacuation information."
When the time comes to evacuate, go as far
inland as possible. Use evacuation routes shown on maps, or follow blue
hurricane evacuation signs along roads. It is also wise to have a pre-planned
place to stay, such as the inland home of a relative of friend.
For answers to specific questions concerning
hurricanes and preparing for them,
contact
your local Emergency Management Office.
We hope this little article will help you stay
safe, and keep you from feeling as if all that's left for you is to unveil your
own weapon in a futile attempt to attack the winds.
Emergency Supplies:
Your
First Aid Kit
(one
for the home and one for the car)
AMERICAN
RED CROSS FIRST AID MANUAL
·
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted
sizes
·
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
·
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
·
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
·
Triangular bandages (3)
·
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
·
3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
·
Scissors
·
Tweezers
·
Needle
·
Moistened towelettes
·
Antiseptic
·
Thermometer
·
Tongue blades (2)
·
Tube of petroleum jelly or other
lubricant
·
Assorted sizes of safety pins
·
Cleansing agent/soap
·
Latex gloves (2 pair)
·
Sunscreen
·
Nonprescription drugs
·
Aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever
·
Anti-diarrhea medication
·
Antacid (for stomach upset)
·
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting
if advised by the
Poison
Control
Center
)
·
Laxative
·
Activated charcoal (use if advised by
the
Poison
Control
Center
)
·
Needles, thread
·
Medicine dropper
This
first aid kit is only one element in your emergency kit. You should have both
before a disaster strikes. Store them in a container such as a backpack or
duffel bag. Ideally, you should have one in your home and one in your car and
one in your place of business and child's locker.
Your
emergency kit should include the following (use judgment when making a kit for a
child for school):
·
A
supply of water (one gallon per person per day). Store water in sealed,
unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months
·
A
supply of nonperishable packaged or canned food and a non-electric can
opener
·
Plastic cups, utensils, napkins, and
plates that are disposable
·
A
change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes
·
Blankets
or sleeping
bags
·
First
aid kit and manual
·
prescription medications
·
Soap, liquid detergent
·
Paper, pencil
·
Shutoff
wrench, to turn off household gas and water
·
Whistle
·
Plastic sheeting
·
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
·
Toilet
paper, towelettes
·
Feminine
supplies
·
Personal
hygiene items
·
Plastic
garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation )
·
Plastic
bucket with tight lid
·
Disinfectant
·
Household chlorine bleach
·
Manual
can opener
·
Utility
knife
·
Fire
extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
·
Tube
tent
·
Pliers
·
Tape
·
Compass
·
Matches
in a waterproof container
·
Aluminum foil
·
Plastic storage containers
·
Signal flare
·
An extra pair of glasses
·
A
battery powered radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries
·
Credit cards and cash
·
An extra set of car keys
·
A list of family physicians
·
A list of important family information;
the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers
·
Hat and gloves
·
Thermal underwear
·
Sunglasses
·
Sturdy shoes or work boots
·
Rain gear
·
Blankets or sleeping bags
·
Special items for infants, elderly or
disabled family members
·
Games, books and other things to pass
time
·
Important family documents if you do not
have a fireproof and waterproof safe
And
for your car, include the following:
·
Maps,
Shovel, Flares
·
Tire repair kit and pump
·
Booster cables
·
Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
·
Bottled water and nonperishable high energy foods such as granola
bars, raisins and peanut butter
Create
an Emergency Plan Before Disaster
·
Find out which disasters could occur in
your area.
·
Ask how to prepare for each disaster.
·
Ask how you would be warned of an
emergency.
·
Learn your community's evacuation
routes.
·
Develop a community plan and assign
disaster jobs.
·
Ask about special assistance for elderly
or disabled persons.
·
Ask your workplace about emergency
plans.
·
Learn about emergency plans for your
children's school or day care center.
·
Meet with household members to discuss
the dangers of fire, severe weather, earthquakes and other emergencies. Explain
how to respond to each.
·
Find the safe spots in your home for
each type of disaster.
·
Discuss what to do about power outages
and personal injuries.
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