Hurricane Tips

Preparing Yourself For Hurricane Season

NEW YORK, June 4, 2007

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(MarketWatch) June ushers in the Atlantic hurricane season and weather forecasters say that the storms of 2007 may rival those of 2005, the worst year on record. There is a 75 percent chance of "above normal" hurricane activity this year, warns the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association.

Here are five simple precautions you can take to protect your home and family from a hurricane:

Have an evacuation plan
Designate a family meeting spot where you can seek shelter and make sure everyone knows how to get there. To be safe, keep a map in the glove box of the car with the route to the family meeting spot marked in indelible ink. Don't forget to make arrangements for family pets. Not all shelters are animal friendly.

Choose A Point Of Contact
Speak to a friend or relative out of state about being a point of contact in case you are separated. Ask if you can use his or her home as a gathering place if needed.

Prepare A Disaster Kit
Put together a portable kit, including three days worth of food and water, a battery-powered radio and flashlight, an emergency contact list, soap and other personal hygiene items, cash or credit card, and first aid materials. If anyone in your family requires regular medication, be sure to include an ample supply in the kit.

Consult A Contractor
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, have an expert examine your home to determine if the shutters or hurricane straps need to be reinforced.

Purchase Insurance
Buy flood and property policies to cover damage to your home and belongings. Remember that there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage begins.

For further information, visit the FEMA Web site. For immediate aid call 1-800-621-FEMA.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com

Before a Hurricane

To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures:

• Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
• Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Determine how and where to secure your boat.
• Consider building a safe room.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Listen to the radio or TV for information.
• Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
• Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Moor your boat if time permits.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
• If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Recovering from Disaster

Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting your home, your community, and your life back to normal.

• What health and safety guidelines should I follow?
• How do I clean my damaged home or repair and rebuild it safely for the future?
• What precautions should I take when returning home?
• Where can I get assistance?
• How do I cope with the emotional effects of a disaster?
• How can I help children cope with the emotional effects of a disaster?
• How can I help someone affected by a disaster?

Specific Disaster Recovery Information

• Dam Failure
• Earthquake
• Fire or Wildfire
• Flood
• Hazardous Material Incident
• Landslide
• Thunderstorm
• Tsunami
• Wildfire

Source: http://www.fema.gov

 

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