Hurricane

Hurricane preparedness isn't just for those who live in Florida or along the Gulf Coast - its for everyone living within 200 miles of any coast line.

Growing up in Florida we dealt with the threat of these storms at least once or twice a year. As a child, these storms meant sleep overs with the cousins at my grandma's house who was always prepared.

The worst hurricane anyone in my family ever experienced was Hurricane Andrew in 1992. My mother, who still lives in south Florida, lived through this horrific event and was devastated. She will be the first to tell you how important it is to be prepared with emergency food and water.

2011 Hurricane Forecast

Risks Factors

Hurricane Damage Their storm force winds can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles.

Extensive damage to trees, towers, water and underground utility lines (from uprooted trees), and fallen poles cause considerable disruption.

High-rise buildings are also vulnerable to storm-force winds, particularly at the higher levels since wind speed tends to increase with height. Recent research suggests you should stay below the tenth floor, but still above any floors at risk for flooding. It is not uncommon for high-rise buildings to suffer a great deal of damage due to windows being blown out. Consequently, the areas around these buildings can be very dangerous.

Homes, businesses, public buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged or destroyed by many different storm hazards.

Debris can break windows and doors, allowing high winds and rain inside the home. In extreme storms (such as Hugo, Andrew and Katrina), the force of the wind alone can cause tremendous devastation, as trees and power lines topple and weak elements of homes and buildings fail.
Roads and bridges can be washed away and homes saturated by flooding.
Destructive tornadoes can also be present well away from the storms center during landfall.
Yet, storm surge alone poses the highest threat to life and destruction in many coastal areas throughout the United States and territories. And these threats are not limited to the coastline -- they can extend hundreds of miles inland, under the right conditions.

Hurricanes and tropical storms generally can be tracked days ahead of any impact, providing ample time to prepare a hurricane disaster kit and be ready for potential evacuation. But being prepared now will make an evacuation easier, and keep your home protected as much as possible from damage.

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Hurricane Preparedness for Individuals and Families.

How to Prepare

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

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.

Create a family evacuation plan and be ready to 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 these storms no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building, their 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 storm 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.

These Storms can be Killers

1,836 people lost their lives as a result of Katrina, a massive storm that hit the Gulf Region of the United States on August 29, 2005. It was a category 5 as it approached the coast, and hit land as a category 4. Katrina has become the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. The video below is a compilation of photos taken of the aftermath of this devastating hurricane.

August 24, 1992, Andrew hit south of Miami as a Category 4, but was upgraded to a Category 5 in 2002 after 10 years of research.

On September 8, 1900 a Category 4 hurricane hit Galveston, Texas, more than 8,000 people died when a 15-foot storm surge flooded the island, which, at that time, was less than 9 feet above sea level. Now, the sea level of the island has been raised, and a sea wall has been built to try to protect the city.

Hurricane Katrina house damage Hugo came ashore at Charleston, South Carolina, on September 22, 1989, was also a Category 4. 56 people lost their loves and an estimated 100,000 were left homeless.

Camille, which hit Mississippi on August 17, 1969, was a Category 5 resulting in the death of 256 people and $1,42 billion in damages.

Recovery Process

The disaster recovery process is not easy, as the people who have experience a major disaster can attest to but it is possible to recover, rebuild and move on.

There are organizations that specialize in disaster relief and recovery that you can contact for assistance if needed.

Additional Resources

Hurricane Preparedness: A Guide to Eating Healthy in an Emergency
Hurricane disaster experts advise that you store enough food and clean water for your family in case of an emergency. Here's a guide to good choices for health-conscious families, as well as those who have diabetes or other medical conditions. By Julia Lazarus

NOAAs Disaster Supply Kit Checklist