Prepare For A Hurricane
Formed from a low-pressure system, increased winds and a spiral arrangement of thunder storms that produce heavy rain, a Hurricane is a rapidly rotating organized storm system also known as a tropical cyclone.
Every year there are more than 25 tropical storms that have the potential to organize into a tropical depression or a hurricane. The intensity of a hurricane is categorized by the Saffir-Simson wind scale that measures maximum sustained wind speeds. Since 1851, 292 Northern Atlantic Hurricanes produced hurricane-force winds in the U.S.
Hurricanes can produce catastrophic damage to the areas it effects. Highly populated areas like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina are most commonly, the states affected by hurricanes. Damages from a hurricane ranges from severely flooded streets and power outages to significant damage on residential and commercial structures. How much a hurricane can affect your property is usually determined by how prepared you are for it.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak occurring between mid-August and late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season is from May 15 and ends November 30. If you are located in an area where hurricanes are common, it is of great importance for safety and security to be prepared.
Prepare For The Worse
As a South Florida native for 33 years, I have been through plenty of tropical storms, tropical depressions, and hurricanes. My recommendation is to plan for the worst! If you are prepared for 250 mph winds and 10 feet of flooding, then 45 mph winds and 6 inches of flooding is nothing to worry over.
Although wind speeds and the intensity of a hurricane may change from one advisory to another in significant amounts, you will want to make sure you are prepared well enough not to have to make hasty decisions with little to no time to do so. Here is a list of necessary steps to take and items to have to secure your safety for before, during, and after a hurricane.
- Safety and Security are most important!
- Secure any plants, patio furniture, and loose items outside that may become a problem if heavy wind is expected.
- Board windows and entries with shutters or ply-wood
- Have a plan for evacuation (doesn’t mean you will need it, but you won’t have time to figure it out during a storm)
- Bottled Water (1 Gallon per-person per-day for at least 3 days)
- Canned Food/ Non-perishable items
- Medications and prescriptions
First Aid Kit- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Battery Operated Radio
- Gas Tank or tanks filled
- Toiletries
- Document all valuables with video if possible
- Cooking tools
- Pillows Blankets
- Important documentation in waterproof containers
First Aid KitAftermath
After a hurricane or tropical storm has passed, it may have left a catastrophic amount of damage in its path including severe flooding, down powerlines, power outages, and excessive debris. This will make going outside hazardous as well as make roads inaccessible. You will want to make sure you have access to instructions from local authorities through radio, social media, or television in the case of an evacuation or access to help.
Your geographical location can make it difficult to receive assistance immediately after a hurricane so it would make sense to have prepared for at least 3 days to survive on your own.
The devastation after a hurricane can be severe. You may have to relocate to a new location. This can become frustrating for some due to income restrictions or other obstacles. Luckily there are affordable moving companies that can be of service in such an event and will calmly guide you through all your moving needs.