For those of you who live in coastal regions or anywhere that is prone to experiencing hurricanes, this is the post for you! It is time to brush up on the ways to get ready for the actual season of hurricanes, which officially begins on June 1st, and ends November 30th. The season usually peaks between mid-August and late October. Hurricane Week is now under way, May 3rd to May 9th, and no doubt many weather stations will be publishing the basics of Hurricane Survival.
So, what are Hurricanes, anyway? They are large storm systems that form over water and move toward land. They bring with them heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surge, rip currents and even tornadoes. In the Atlantic, they are also called Cyclones, and in the Pacific Ocean, they are called Typhoons.
Here are some basic tips to get you started-
- Know where to go if you have to evacuate. Plan your escape route and know the evacuation route for the area you reside in. The coastal areas of North Carolina, for example, have evac signs along the major highways. If a storm is on the way, the state police will be there to keep everyone on the evac route.
- Put together a “Go-Bag”, and fill it with supplies such as flashlights, extra batteries, cash, a first aid kit, medications, and health information and documents such as insurance policies and other records you want to keep with you.
- If your area is not advised to evacuate, make sure that you keep listening to your weather radio and make a Disaster Plan. Lay in needed supplies and water- a minimum of 1 gal. per person per day. It is a good idea to discuss this plan with the others in your family and get their input. We will talk about this later.
- to find out what alerts are available in your area, search the internet with your town, city or county name and the word “alerts”.
I cannot stress enough that a good weather radio is a joy forever! Make sure that you have one with a hand crank and solar power, batteries, and even USB recharging capabilities. Test it monthly, but during Hurricane season, weekly is better. Pay attention to such things as loose tree limbs or landscaping that could blow down in high winds and cause damage. Check your siding and shingles. The best time for repairs is BEFORE the storm.
Investing in a portable generator is a good idea. Make sure they are at least 20 feet away from windows and doors and protected from moisture. NEVER try to power your house by plugging a generator into an outlet.
Do you know the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING? A Hurricane Watch means conditions are possible within the next 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning means that conditions are expected within 36 hours.
During my next post, I will talk about developing a Disaster Plan, and we will discuss in more detail the items you should include in your “Go-Bag”. Remember- PRAY, PLAN AND IMPLEMENT YOUR PLAN! Until then, may God Bless!
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