Preparing for a hurricane is something we, in Florida(USA), sometime take for granted.but shouldn’t.
Florida is the hurricane capital of the Unites States.
(Taken from the American Red Cross Information)
’A hurricane usually starts as a tropical disturbance over the tropical or subtropical areas of the Atlantic ocean, Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico, slowly building strength with the proper atmospheric conditions.’
Plans need to be made well in advance of hurricane season, which lasts from about June through November, of each year.
First and foremost, let friends and relatives know what your plans are, just in case.
Know the evacuation routes of your area.
Know where the nearest shelters are, and be ready to move on a moments notice.
Some of the things to have on hand are:
Battery operated radio(and/or TV
)
Extra batteries
flashlights and batteries(and extra batteries)
3 gallons of water, per person, with enough on hand for at least 3 days.
At least 4 gallons of water to use as sanitation per day
A minimum of 3 days supply of non perishable foods, such as.
dry cereal and fruit
canned fruits and vegetables
canned or packaged juices
ready to eat meals and soups
Canned meats and fish
peanut butter
powdered milk
baby formula and foods
Crackers and cookies
Prescription and non prescription drugs(enough for a week or two)
Non electric can opener
Paper plates, cups and napkins
Plastic utensils
Toiletries
Extra clothes and diapers
All your important papers and documents(places in waterproof and fireproof containers
Books and magazines and toys for the kids.
Also make sure you have a safe place for your pets, if you are not taking them with you. Most vets will board your pet for a small fee during a hurricane.
Have all your windows and doors boarded or have hurricane shutters installed. Never just tape up your windows. Tape does not protect your window!
Stay away from fallen electrical wires. Remember, electric is invisable.but it can kill you!
Above all else, remain calm. Evacuate if you must, otherwise remain indoors until your local radio or TV stations give the’all clear signal.’
Don’t think that when the winds die down the storm is over. The winds could be blowing at 125 miles fer hour one minute and be calm the next minute. But that may just be the’eye’ of the storm. The center. And the winds will once again pick up as the’eye’ passes over you, and sometimes the winds are stronger at that point.
As I said, remain calm and follow all directions of your’Emergency broadcast stations!’
Also, after the storm always check before drinking the water again from your faucets. Sometimes there are water main breaks and contaminated water seeps in through the break and can cause water to become tainted. To be safe, after the storm, boil any water for consumption, until you get the’all clear.’
Another good tip is, have photographs of all of your personal belongings in your home for insurance purposes after the storm. Keep the photos with your important papers so you can have’before’ photos when making an insurance claim.
And always remember.A hurricane is not something to be taken lightly. About 9 years ago, here in South Florida we had a hurricane which caused billions of dollars of damage and claimed many lives and injured many people.
Safety is a key to remember and remaining calm will help you remain safe.
Hope this helped.