Prepare for the Worst Hurricane in the Best Way Possible
Believe it or not, the coastline of the United states is regularly battered by hurricanes – about five on the average – every 3 years.
Hurricane Laura strengthened to a category 4 hurricane and hit the south Texas and Louisiana coast in the overnight hours. In Houston, it’s forecast to be mainly a wind event more than a rain event. Further east and into Louisiana, the storm surge is a concern and has been called “unsurvivable”
Hurricanes do bring lots of winds – some as strong as a hundred miles every hour. Along with hurricanes also come water surges that reach to twenty feet in height.
Such hurricanes are extremely dangerous, therefore preparing for their onslaught especially during the months between June up until November, is a smart and practical thing to do.
The power of Hurricane Dorian making landfall on Abaco island packing winds of 180mph.
The following are tips and advice you could do to be able to best prepare for any worst that could happen when hurricanes come.
Be aware and beware
Understand and know that every hurricane is a lot different, preparing for the possible worst is usually the best option as it makes one prepare and be pro active.
Make a list and check it twice
Try to make up a list of all the items found in your backyard or front yard which you think you need to bring in the house when a hurricane hits. The items which could be included in this list are the tools for the yard or lawn furniture.
Trim it
As much as possible, try to keep shrubbery and trees trimmed. Doing so prevents any unnecessary entanglements brought about by tree branches or the like.
Drain it
Ensure that all the gutters as well as drains in your area are appropriately cleared. This is so that further flooding is prevented especially during the bouts of long and heavy rainfall that usually accompany strong hurricanes.
Use shutters specifically designed for hurricanes
Using shutters permanently for the doors and windows is a much safer and better alternative than simply taping all the glass as doing the latter does not in any way prevent the glass’ breakage. You could also protect the window from the outside using plywood or the shutters.
A Survivor’s Guide to Emergency Preparedness:
How to Prepare for Hurricanes, Power Outages, Nor’easters, and Other Storm-related Emergencies
When a storm emergency threatens, it may already be too late. A storm that threatens your life, your property, and your state of mind does irreparable damage to your soul How you prepare for a storm emergency – especially a hurricane – determines how well you survive. This book covers many check lists for individuals, families and for our beloved pets and is a must have for hurricane season.
Plan for an evacuation
As best you can, develop a plan for evacuation. Try to communicate with your emergency local management chapter or office of the Red Cross. They may be able to provide you with the route for evacuation as well as shelters that are nearby.
Prepare blankets
Have ready sleeping bags and blankets just in case there is a need for you to have to rush to a shelter.
Think about your pets too
Know in advance what you could do to take care of your pets. A lot of animals were abandoned during the onslaught of hurricane Katrina.
Gather needed emergency supplies
As much as possible, prepare supplies beforehand. Included in this list of supplies should be flashlights, batteries, a radio, water and food, first aid kits, can opener.
An additional tip is by turning the temperature of your fridge to the highest setting. The reason for this is when the power goes off, the cool air of your fridge will get to stay a lot longer, thereby preserving your food a lot longer.
Elevate your home and furniture
It is also a good idea to elevate your house especially if hurricane and flooding is a common thing in your area.
All in all, preparing for the worst is always the best course available. It could save you precious time and energy as well as possibly save your life as well as those of your loved ones.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family and get prepared now! Click to see these valuable emergency preparedness supplies.
Tracking Hurricane Laura
- National Hurricane Center
- Amateur Radio Station at the National Hurricane Center
- The Hurricane Watch Net
- National Weather Service, Houston/Galveston
- Texas Emergency Management – Hurricane Center