Hurricane Danger: How To Actually Stay Safe and What Helpful Things To Know According To NOAA

Get ready for hurricane season!  It's crucial to be well-prepared before the storm hits.  Start taking steps now to ensure that you're ready for the worst.  Learn about the potential risks posed to your area and begin your pre-season preparations.  Make sure you can decipher weather forecasts and alerts.  Familiarize yourself with the necessary actions to be taken before, during, and after a storm.  Being proactive and informed will help you stay safe during hurricane season.  The articles put out by NOAA can help you with this.

Risks From Wind and Water

Hurricanes aren't just a problem for people living by the coast.  They can cause issues hundreds of miles inland.

First things first, figure out what kind of wind and water hazards could affect your area.  

1. Storm Surge: It's like a wall of water pushed by hurricane winds.  it's dangerous, especially for coastal areas.
2. Inland Flooding: Hurricanes bring tons of rain, which can lead to severe flooding.  This can damage buildings, roads, and more.
3. Destructive Winds: Strong winds can harm homes and knock down trees and power lines, causing power outages.
4. Tornadoes:  They can spin off from hurricanes and cause additional damage.
5. High Surf and Rip Currents: Even far-off storms can make the ocean dangerous.

It's not just about the strength of the hurricane.  Even weak storms can cause trouble.  Understand if your place is prone to flooding or if you're in an evacuation zone.  

Also, check if your home has any weak spots that need fixing.  Check for sturdy doors and shutters. See if you can reinforce your home.  Mobile homes are the most vulnerable.

Get Ready Early

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season starts.  Waiting until the last minute can be risky.

If you live in an area at risk of hurricanes then you need an evacuation plan.  Figure out where you'd go and how you'd get there.  It doesn't have to be hundreds of miles away.  it could be a friend or relative in a safe place.  Plan multiple routes and don't forget about your pets.

You'll need supplies to survive not only the storm but the aftermath.  Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medicine for at least three days.  Try to store extra water if you can.  Prepare for power and water outages with cash, battery-powered radios, flashlights, and even a way to charge your phones.

Call your insurance company to make sure you have enough coverage for your home and belongings.  Keep in mind that regular insurance doesn't cover floods, so you'll need a separate flood insurance policy.  There's usually a 30-day waiting period before it is effective.

Take photos and note the serial numbers of your belongings.  This helps when filing insurance claims.

Write down your hurricane plan and share it with your family.  Choose meeting places, including one out of town for evacuations.  Keep a list of emergency contacts, including utilities and critical services, on paper since the internet might not be available during or after a storm.

Prepare your home by trimming trees, installing storm shutters, sealing openings, and making sure your garage door can withstand strong winds.  Buy materials like plywood or panels in advance for boarding up windows and doors.

Understand Forecast Information

Weather forecasts can tell us a lot about upcoming storms.  They can tell us where they might go, how much rain they're likely to bring, and how strong the winds could be.  Make sure to rely on official forecasts and trusted media sources.  The National Hurricane Center's forecasts are super reliable as are your local weather stations.  

Know the differences between a watch and a warning.  A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.  You should get ready by securing your home and having an emergency kit.  A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.  Seek shelter or evacuate if told to.

Don't get too hung up on the storm's category.  All hurricanes can bring serious problems like flooding, storm surges, and strong winds.  Even if a storm weakens, it can still cause big issues with rain and flooding.  So, stay alert even if the category drops.

Remember that a storm's effects can reach beyond its forecast cone.  The cone only shows the likely path of the storm's center but doesn't tell us how big the storm is.

Get Moving

When you hear that a storm is heading your way, it's time to act fast.  Ideally, you've already done some preparations before hurricane season starts when there's more time and stuff in stores.  

Protect your home by making sure everything, inside and out, is tied down or secured.  Move your car somewhere safe if you are not evacuating.  If you're leaving, unplug electronics (including refrigerators and freezers if there is a flood risk).  In some cases, you might need to turn off water, gas, and electricity before you go.

Check with local officials to know where you can go for shelter.  Remember, most public shelters don't allow pets except for service animals.  Have a few shelter options.  If your home is your shelter then make sure it's prepared and you know the safest spots inside.

Have a "go bag" or emergency bag ready with what you need if you have to leave in a hurry.  Pack essential things like chargers, hygiene stuff, and enough supplies for at least three days.

If local authorities say it's time to leave, don't wait.  Go early to avoid getting stuck in bad weather.  unplug your stuff, leave a note about where you're headed, and check if anyone nearby needs a ride.

Protect Yourself During Storms

If you're in an area that might flood or get hit by a storm surge, it's crucial to move to higher ground away from water.  If officials say it's time to go, evacuate.  Never drive through floods or damaged bridges.  Pay attention to signs and barriers. 

If your home floods and you're inside, try to get to higher floors.  If that's not safe, go on the roof and call 911.  Wind in hurricanes can be very dangerous too, especially in tall buildings.  to stay safe, put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.  The best spot is an interior room without windows.  Cover yourself with a mattress and wear a helmet for extra safety.  If there's an Extreme Wind Warning, take shelter right away and stay there until it's safe.

Keep your phone's Wireless Emergency Alerts on for weather updates.  Watch the forecast because storms can change fast.  Even small shifts in a storm's path can be a big deal.

Flooding can happen far from shore and driving through floodwater is a big no-no.  Just a foot of water can sweep a car away and you can't tell if the road is still there under the water.

DO NOT DO THIS!

Be Cautious After Storms

Even when the storm is over and the sky is clear, there are still dangers to watch out for.  Don't let your guard down because nearly half of hurricane-related deaths happen after the storm has passed.

If you evacuated, only head back home when officials say it's safe.  Make sure to check with local authorities where you are staying and back home before you travel.

Be careful around damaged buildings.  Walk carefully around your home to look for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.  Keep an eye out for dangerous stuff like nails or glass.  If your home starts shifting or making strange noises, get out!  If you smell gas, leave your home and call 911.

Avoid downed power lines to prevent electric shock.  They could be on the ground, hidden in water, or hanging above.  Flooded roads are risky too because it's hard to tell how deep or fast the water is.  Don't walk (or drive) in floodwaters as they might have harmful stuff like bacteria, chemicals, sharp objects, or dangerous animals.

When you are cleaning up, stay hydrated, wear light and loose clothing, and work during cooler hours if you can.  Don't push yourself too hard, as it can lead to health issues.  Clean up slowly and take breaks.  Look out for your elderly neighbors and anyone who might need help in your community.

If you're using a portable generator, be really careful.  Carbon monoxide poisoning is a big risk during power outages.  Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if you open doors and windows.  Only use generators outside, at least 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.

After a hurricane, emergency responders might be really busy.  It could take hours or even days for them to get to your area.  Communication systems might not work well, and making phone calls could be tough due to network problems.  if you can, use text, email, or social media to communicate.

Stay safe everyone!

Source:  National Hurricane Preparedness | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)