Safety Tips For Surviving A Hurricane: Hurricane Florence is getting ready to wreak havoc on the Carolinas right now. From the end of August until the beginning of December is the official “Hurricane Season” along the Atlantic / Eastern seaboard and Gulf coastal areas of the United States.

 

The news stations are in full swing, local governments are ordering evacuations and FEMA is making plans for disaster recovery once the storm has passed. But, no matter how loud the warnings and how much preparation is in place, every storm poses major danger and extreme risk to human life and property.

All U.S. Atlantic seaboard and Gulf coastal areas are subject to hurricanes or tropical storms. If you live in a susceptible area, be prepared! Here are tips on what you can do to get ready for a potential big storm.

WHAT IS A HURRICANE?

A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain. Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by different names, including hurricane, typhoon , tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, and simply cyclone

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean, and a typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean; while in the south Pacific or Indian Ocean, comparable storms are referred to simply as “tropical cyclones” or “severe cyclonic storms

See Wikipedia

FEMA SAFETY TIPS FOR SURVIVING A HURRICANE

Before a Hurricane
  • Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with ⅝” 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.
  • Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of broken branches and debris.
  • Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent misdirected flooding.
  • Determine how and where to secure your boat.
  • Consider building a safe room.
  • Keep articles in your basement elevated to avoid damage from even minor flooding.
  • Keep a well-stocked Emergency Survival Kit in case you lose power. Think about what you might need if you are isolated for a number of days and must endure a power outage.
  • Fully fuel your vehicles.
During a Hurricane

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

  • Stay informed by monitoring the storm via radio, TV, and internet.
  • Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Objects such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile.
  • Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities 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.
  • Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
    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 that 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 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. For specific health, safety, and rebuilding guidelines regarding recovery, please see the FEMA Web site.

SOURCE:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a personal injury or death related to a disaster and would like to speak with a Boston attorney, please contact us through this web site or by calling (617) 742-1900.

About the Author: James Swartz
Avatar
Mr. Swartz, our Managing and Principal Attorney at Swartz & Swartz P.C., is a nationally recognized and respected trial attorney as well as consumer advocate. His practice focuses on cases involving negligence, torts, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other claims involving catastrophic injuries.

Keep Reading

Want more? Here are some other blog posts you might be interested in.