Hurricane Preparation Tips
Before Hurricane Season:
Take photographs or videotape your home and its contents to support any insurance claims that may arise as the result of storm damage. Store photos/videos in a safe or safe deposit box.
Organize and assemble a hurricane supply kit. This should consist of the following items, stored in a cardboard or (preferably) waterproof container:
-
Flashlight
-
Batteries
-
Ziploc or trash bags (that tie) to store important documents and photos
-
Canned food
-
Paper towels and toilet paper
-
Plastic dishes, cups and flatware
-
Chlorine bleach to disinfect water
-
Personal toiletries
-
Duct tape
-
Manual can opener, bottle opener and church key
-
Matches
-
Fuel-burning lantern
-
Battery-operated radio
Assemble a first aid kit with the following items:
Clean out containers to store water, ice, pet supplies, medications, etc.
Prune trees and heavy vegetation around your home.
If you own a boat, check your insurance policy. If it is stored, check your marina’s hurricane policy, as some marinas may require you to move your boat. If you do need to move your boat in the event of a storm, establish a place where you can keep it.
Develop a plan for your family. This plan should address:
-
Evacuation (routes, shelters, etc.)
-
The safest part of the house to stay in during the storm
-
Safeguarding doors and windows
If you have hurricane protection, take inventory to make sure everything you need is on hand. If you have not used your shutters in a few years, have them inspected by a professional.
If you do not currently have hurricane protection, obtain an estimate from a reputable professional. Since shutters are custom fitted to your home, allow time for the shutter company to measure, manufacture and install your shutters.
When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:
Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
Have enough cash on hand (in small bills) to last a week or more.
Double-check your hurricane supplies.
Start bringing in or storing lawn furniture, grills, potted plants and anything else that is not secured.
Perform a quick inventory of your shutters or door and window protection equipment to ensure that everything is on hand and working properly.
Monitor the storm’s progress on TV and radio.
Pick up additional supplies such as water, sports drinks, fruit juice, coffee and/or tea, peanut butter, jelly, cookies/crackers, bread, cereal and snacks.
If applicable, ensure you have adequate baby supplies, special diet needs and prescription medications on hand.
When a Hurricane Warning is Issued:
Put up storm panels or close your folding or rolling shutters.
Double check around the outside of your home to make sure there are no loose items that could become airborne.
Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the highest setting.
Freeze water in plastic jugs (to help keep food cool in the event of a power outage.)
Monitor the storm’s progress on TV and radio.
Fill tubs and sinks with water.
If you have a garage, use it to store lawn furniture as well as vehicles.
If you have a pool, do not drain it. It is only necessary to decrease the water level by a couple of inches.
Do not cook indoors on a charcoal or gas grill.
Remain indoors at all times during the storm.
If you need a doctor and cannot reach your physician at his/her office, contact the hospital where he/she practices.
Important Hurricane Terminology:
Tropical Depression: An organized system of thunderstorms with a defined circulation and sustained winds of less than 39 mph.
Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined circulation and sustained winds of 39-73 mph. Tropical storms can quickly develop into hurricanes.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 24-36 hours.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are possible within 24 hours. This includes sustained winds of 74 mph and higher accompanied by dangerous tides and waves.
Categories:
Hurricane categories are based on The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, which is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane's present intensity. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline, in the landfall region.
Category One Hurricane:
Hurricanes in this category are characterized by winds of 74-95 mph and storm surges that are generally 4-5 feet above normal. Category one storms pose no real threat of damage to building structures. Damage from this category is primarily done to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, trees and poorly constructed signs. Also, there can be some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
Category Two Hurricane:
Hurricanes in this category are characterized by winds of 96-110 mph and storm surges that are generally 6-8 feet above normal. Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings occurs during these storms; as well as considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. These storms also have been known to cause considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages have been known to break moorings.
Category Three Hurricane:
Hurricanes in this category are characterized by winds of 111-130 mph and storm surges that are generally 9-12 feet above normal. These storms will cause some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtainwall failures as well as damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large trees blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering from floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 feet above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
Category Four Hurricane:
Hurricanes in this category are characterized by winds of 131-155 mph and storm surges that are generally 13-18 feet above normal. These storms cause more extensive curtainwall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Mobile homes are completely destroyed. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down and extensive damage is done to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. The storms cause major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 feet above sea level may be flooded, requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles.
Category Five Hurricane:
Hurricanes in this category are characterized by winds of greater than 155 mph and storm surges that are generally greater than 18 feet above normal. These storms are responsible for complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. There can be some complete building failures and small utility buildings can be blown over or away. Mobile homes are completely destroyed. All shrubs, trees, and signs are blown down. Severe and extensive window and door damage also result in category 5 storms. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the center of the hurricane. There is major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 feet above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles of the shoreline may be required.
Back to the top
Copyright 2007. Hosted Websitehosted.com
|
