Hardly anything is impervious to the damage that nature may wreak when it strikes. Only a handful of the catastrophic weather occurrences that wreak millions of dollars worth of damage include floods, tornadoes, and dangerous hurricanes.
When Mother Nature decides to behave unpredictably, most of the time all we can do is move out of the path or make every effort to protect our properties.
Texas resident Randy Wagner followed this precise course of action to safeguard his home during hurricane season. Randy may have spent up to $8,300 for a 400-foot length of plastic sheet that would protect his home from floodwaters during the hurricane.
Many of his friends and neighbors thought it was a foolish investment and that it was absurd to spend so much money on plastic and so much time putting it up.
But to them, Randy’s very prudent decision to fortify his house against the storm sounded insane. Contrary to what his neighbors thought, Randy built a 400-foot wall around his house to keep the water out. His $8,300 investment ultimately saved him from losses that could have cost up to $150,000 to repair.
It’s crucial to know what safety precautions to take when a hurricane is approaching, just like Randy. These basic recommendations can be useful.
Before an order to evacuate is given, it’s important to be continually aware of your surroundings and conversant with the best evacuation routes. Also, make plans for where you can stay. Include everything you’d need in an emergency kit bag, including a flashlight, batteries, some cash, basic first aid items, and medication.
There should never be a situation when you return home after being asked to leave. If you haven’t been advised to evacuate and will be staying at home, prepare emergency supplies that will keep you alive for many days even if you lose electricity or water. Consider how your family or even your community will communicate in case of an emergency.
Finding out more about your local emergency communication service is made easier by these sites.
Preparing Your Home
To prevent and minimize damage as much as possible during a hurricane, you should attempt to safeguard your home. Pruning any surrounding tree limbs that can potentially fall during a gust of wind and cause damage to nearby properties should be done before hurricane season.
To prepare your property for the additional water that will be entering, clear any clogged gutter sections and remove any debris. You must further secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors to make sure they are strong enough to withstand the force of the approaching weather.
Power outages are almost always caused by storms, so you should be ready by building a generator or getting a portable generator. If you have the means, consider building an “ICC 500 storm shelter” or a “FEME safe room” in places above flood levels to protect you from severe winds.
If you are not fleeing, make plans to stay at home and let your friends and family know where you are. It is not advised to drive during a storm.
If you’re sheltering in place at home during a hurricane, close all the windows and storm shutters, and remain a safe distance from them to prevent injury from broken windows.
To keep your food fresher for longer even if you lose electricity, make sure your refrigerator is set to the coldest setting. Try to pay attention to the weather and emergency information.
When a hurricane is 36 hours away, what should one do?
To stay updated about the weather and any emergency instructions, turn on the TV or any other gadget you would use. Make sure the emergency kit you put together has all the necessities in the right amounts. Arrange a dependable means of communication; ideally, this will utilize emails or SMS messages rather than phone calls.
Once more go over the evacuation plan with your family. Have your car close by and in working order in case you need to escape right immediately.
When a hurricane is 18–36 hours away, what should one do?
For quick access to weather, emergency alerts, and directions, add the webpage for your city to your favorites. Remove any lightweight objects that can be easily projected by strong winds, such as patio furniture and trash cans. You can bring them inside if it’s okay, but you should secure risky objects like gas tanks outside. Check to make sure all of your windows are shut tightly. You might be able to board up your windows.
When a hurricane is six to eighteen hours away, what should one do?
If your TV and radio are still on, switch them on to receive the most recent information. You should also check the weather website every 30 minutes for updates. Storms change direction quickly and with a high rate of speed. Moreover, make sure that all of your phones are fully charged in case the power goes out.
Following a hurricane?
Keep an eye out for directions and updates, and make sure everyone in your family is fine by checking in with them. Wait to return home until you are certain it is entirely safe to do so.
When returning home, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters since they can be dangerous and hide dangerous locations where the ground is unstable or has been washed away.
Electricity may also be added to the water as a result of downed lines. Take a picture of the property damage that has occurred for insurance purposes.
Please join us in prayer for those who have lost friends and family as a result of the recent hurricanes. Always exercise caution. Being careful is better than regretting it.
