Thursday, March 28, 2024
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HomeMaritimePreparing for a hurricane: before, during, and after it

Preparing for a hurricane: before, during, and after it

Hurricanes are powerful forces of nature that routinely leave a trail of destruction. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hurricanes are tropical cyclones that reach a maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour and are categorized depending on their strength – with the greater category denoting a hurricane’s greater potential for damage.

While we can’t stop hurricanes, the best we can do is to prepare for it. To ensure the safety of you and your loved ones, and to minimize damages to your properties, here are a few tips to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane.

Before a Hurricane

Preparing for a hurricane doesn’t have to be days or weeks facing hurricane season. As soon as you can, prepare your own emergency preparedness kit. It should contain everything you need to survive, and beyond. Essentials include clean, drinking water that could last you and your family at least three days as well as non-perishable food items that can be eaten directly – crackers, granola bars, canned meats in easy-open cans. Also remember to add basic medical supplies such as bandages, antiseptics, maintenance medicines, and items for hygiene.

Aside from your basic needs, you’ll also need tools and documents. Basic tools include flashlights and extra batteries as well as candles and lighters. Clocks and battery-powered radios are also important. Keep your mobile phones alive for longer with power banks. The point for an emergency kit is that you can never tell what you might need, so make sure to have a multi-purpose tool that has blades, screwdrivers, and pliers at the very least. Lastly, make sure to keep a copy of your identifying documents such as copies of passports or birth certificates as well as a bit of cash just in case.

As for your home, if you’re already expecting a hurricane, start securing your things. Move your outdoor furniture and other items inside to prevent them from being blown and tossed by the strong winds.

During a Hurricane

Once the wind starts blowing and the rain starts flowing, make sure to stay indoors. You wouldn’t want to be caught outside where flying debris can knock you over. Stay away from windows, because of the risk of them breaking from debris. Also, keep your curtains and blinds closed for added protection. If the winds let up after blowing strong for several minutes, don’t be complacent just yet. It might be the eye of the storm passing through and expect the winds to pick up again soon. If you’re in a place where water starts rising, move to higher ground. Close all your interior doors and if needed, brace your external doors to keep them from giving into the strong winds. 

During hurricanes, power cuts are common. You can use candles if you’re staying in one place. However, if you have to move, use flashlights instead to avoid unnecessary fire risks. Also, start listening to local news updates – either through your smartphone or your battery-powered radio – for the latest information. For people living in coastal states, it’s important to access the NOAA marine weather forecast for hourly updates. If you can still connect to the internet, they also provide timely reports in text and graphical formats.

You might be requested to evacuate or officials might instruct you to turn off your power supply. When asked to do so, you have to turn it off at the main circuit breaker of your home. Otherwise, start turning your fridge thermostat to the coldest setting and don’t open the doors unless necessary. This will help preserve your foods for longer, especially when the power gets cut.

You can also start filling your bathtubs and large indoor containers with water since hurricanes can also cut your home’s water supply. You can use these stored, clean water for hygienic purposes such as taking a bath, flushing toilets, or cleaning your house after a storm.

After a Hurricane

Just because the sun has started shining again and the rain has let up, it doesn’t mean that the storm is over. You can make sure by listening to local stations for updates and instructions from local officials. If you had to evacuate somewhere else, make sure you have the go signal to return to your home.

Once you’re sure the hurricane has passed, you can start inspecting your home for damage. Keep your family members, especially children, in a safe and secure location. Again, do your inspection using a flashlight instead of a candle. As much as possible, stay away from floodwater. Running water about six inches high can knock you over, deeper running water can start sweeping heavy objects like your car. Stagnant floodwater, on the other hand, could be hiding debris, sharp objects, or even holes you can fall into.

If you’ve turned off power during the hurricane, make sure that there are no live wires scattered about, or appliances that are wet or submerged. If you find live wires, do not touch them or try to remove them, call the power company immediately.

Lastly, connect with friends and family to let them know that you’re safe and to know if they are as well.

Conclusion

While hurricanes are inevitable, you don’t have to needlessly put your life and properties at risk. With the proper preparation and precautions, you can keep yourself and your family safe even through the worst of these disasters. Make sure to exercise proper vigilance as you respond before, during, and after a hurricane.

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