In the United States hurricane season starts on June 1 and runs through November 30. During this time it is imperative for coastal residents to be prepared in the event of a hurricane. Preparations for hurricane season begin well in advance of June for many people who want to be prepared at a moment’s notice to evacuate. Others make preparations to stay in their home and weather the storm.
If a hurricane is threatening landfall, coastal residents are urged to evacuate to safer areas. However, many people choose not to leave their homes. Some have experienced ill-planned evacuations and don’t want to go through it again while others have evacuated for no reason only to come home to find they had been robbed by looters. Regardless of the reason, choosing to stay in the path of a hurricane is not wise, but if it is the ultimate decision, there are steps that should be taken to increase the chances of making it through the storm safely.
Prepare to Be Self-Sufficient
During a hurricane public utilities and emergency services are limited if available at all. People who choose to remain in their home during a hurricane need to be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least three days, possibly longer. The following checklist is presented by NOAA.gov and contains items that should be in an emergency kit during a hurricane.
- Water: At least one gallon per person/per day for a 3 to 7 day period.
- Food: Non-perishables that will suffice for 3 to 7 days. Examples include canned food and juices, snack foods, baby foods and formula if necessary. Also include a manual can opener, cooking tools and fuel, and paper plates and utensils.
- First-aid kit.
- Blankets and pillows
- Baby items and items needed by the elderly, if necessary.
- Flashlight and batteries
- Weather radio and batteries
- Toiletries and hygiene items
- Fully charged cell phone with an extra battery
- Cash: When the power does return credit card and ATM machines probably won’t work for a while.
- Toys, books and games to help pass the time.
- Full tank of gas
- Important documents: All identification, insurance, medical records, etc. should be in a waterproof bag ready to go should it become necessary.
- Pet food and supplies if necessary. This includes shot records.
In addition to the list of items here families should have a written plan of action should they have to evacuate at later time. This plan of action should also be give to another friend or family member. When choosing to ride out a hurricane other family members should be notified so that rescue crews will know there are occupants in the house.
Preparing the Home for a Storm
After preparing the family for the storm, the home should be prepared to withstand the storm as much as is possible. While it is impossible to make a home totally storm proof, it is possible to mitigate the damages with some simple steps.
Wind and flood damage are the two most obvious causes of damage from a hurricane. Winds in a hurricane range from 74 mph to over 155 mph. Even at the lower end of the scale damage is probable. Before hurricane season starts, it is a good idea to put as many of these items in place as possible:
- Roofs should have hurricane straps and gable end braces.
- Secure all outdoor furniture or move it to an indoor storage area.
- Install plywood over windows or consider having hurricane shutters installed.
- Install braces on garage doors.
Flooding is the second major cause of damage during a hurricane. Flood insurance is invaluable during a hurricane and should always be in place as it cannot be purchased if a hurricane watch or warning has been issued. Other steps to help prevent damage from flooding include:
- Move valuables and electronics out of low lying areas, such as basements.
- Have breakers and fuse boxes elevated above flood level.
- If building a home, consider having it elevated above the hundred-year floodplain or estimated storm surge level.
Think Twice and Be Ready to Leave
Homeowners should think twice before deciding to ride a hurricane out in their homes. If the decision is still to stay, they should make sure all preparations are in place and that family members know they are staying. In the event that the storm becomes worse than anticipated they should be prepared to leave as quickly and safely as possible.
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