HURRICANES

Hurricanes are responsible for loss of life and incredible property damage every year in the United States.  They also present significant challenges for federal and local emergency services personnel.  Since the affects of a hurricane are often very widespread, victims cannot always depend on timely help or rescue. 

When considering the effects of a hurricane, one must consider many different hazards.  High winds and flying debris are responsible for a great many injuries, deaths and incidents of property damage but, in many cases, flooding from storm surge, heavy rains and levy failures is responsible for the majority of the damage and threat to human life.  Tornadoes are also, often, generated during hurricanes.  

Unlike tornadoes, it is possible to provide sufficient warning of an approaching hurricane.  Consider the following:     

o   Consider constructing a “safe room” in your home. 

o    If your home is not equipped with permanent storm shutters, measure your windows and purchase plywood to have on hand to board your windows.

o    Evaluate the area around your home for loose items that will be dangerous or create damage if they are carried by heavy winds.  Make sure that dangerous tree limbs are trimmed back so that they will not fall on your house or vehicles.  Learn how to shut off your water, heating fuel, gas, propane and electricity.

o    Familiarize yourself with local hurricane evacuation routs.  Your primary rout may be blocked so have backup routs available.

If you are affected by a hurricane, you may be cut off for some time or forced to evacuate.

o    Have bugout bags ready.

o    Be sure that your emergency automotive supplies are always kept in your vehicle.

o    Store your disaster supplies in an area that is not likely to flood.

o    Keep your vehicle gas tanks full.

If you suspect that a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching:

o    Monitor your radio or television for updates and evacuation orders.

o    Do not hesitate to take action.  Most hurricane deaths occur because people think they can ride it out.  If you wait too long, your movement may be restricted by heavy traffic or gridlock.

o   If you do not have your evacuation supplies with you, collect what you can.

o    Make necessary calls to arrange to retrieve you family and to arrange temporary housing.

o    Be aware that most emergency shelters do not take pets. You may need to make other arrangements.

o    Fill all available water containers in case you are not evacuated but your water supply becomes contaminated.

If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. 

o    Take your emergency evacuation supplies.

o   Follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel in order to insure a safe and effective evacuation.

o   Do not drive through flood waters.

o    Be patient with other drivers. You may encounter heavy traffic.

If you are not ordered to evacuate; it does not mean that you will not be affected by the severity of the storm.  Consider and be prepared for the following:

o    High Winds:  Severe winds will turn any loose item into a projectile that can kill, injure or cause property damage.

o    Power Outage:  Severe storm activities often cause extended power outages. 

o    Flooding:  Depending on the topography of you area, you may experience flooding or be isolated from services because of flooding in other areas.  Be sure to review the information on flooding and that you have stored the recommended supplies.

o    Shortages:  Severe storm activity may interrupt deliveries to you local supermarkets, gas stations and other product related businesses.  If you have not stocked up on needed items, you may have to do without. 

o    Lack of Emergency Services:  In the event that a hurricane strikes near you; emergency service personnel will be extremely busy dealing with its effects.  Even areas that are less severely damaged will experience extremely long response time from emergency services.  It may take days for a response if you get one at all.  Be sure that you have a well stocked first aid kit and that you have some basic first aid training.

o    Contaminated Water:  Flooding in your area may cause the domestic water supply to be contaminated with chemicals and raw sewage.  Be sure that you have stored an adequate supply of palatable water.