Hurricane Safety

If you live in an area where they are a threat, knowing hurricane safety is a must.

Taking steps to get organized now will save you a lot of time and frustration when disaster actually strikes.

Being prepared could make the difference between getting out of the disaster zone safely and being caught up in the thick of the storm.

Hurricane Safety for Your Home

Whether a storm is predicted or not, there are some simple things you can do in and around your home to minimize the damage of a hurricane. Don't wait for disaster to strike. Take these hurricane safety precautions now.

• Add hurricane shutters to your windows which can be easily secured when the threat of a storm arises. If this is not an option, you could pre-cut pieces of wood to fit over each window. Label them so you will know which window they fit and keep them easily accessible with the proper nails or screws so you can secure them quickly when you need to.

• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed at all times. Loose or dead branches should be immediately removed. You may want to consider removing any trees that are close enough to fall on your house in a severe storm.

• Take a look around your yard and decide ahead of time where you will put objects like garden decorations, patio furniture and grills if the winds get high enough to cause damage to them.

• Make sure your home insurance is enough to cover potential damage from a serious storm.

• Prepare a home inventory for insurance purposes. This can easily be accomplished with a video or pictures of the contents of each room in your home. This inventory should be kept with all of your vital records so you can take it with you if you evacuate.

Hurricane Categories

Knowing how to prepare for a hurricane depends, largely, on the severity of the storm forecasted.

Category 1 - Winds around 75 mph resulting in potential damage to lightweight objects. Evacuation is typically not necessary.

Category 2 - Winds around 95 mph resulting in potential damage to smaller buildings and trees. Some flooding may occur. Evacuation may be called for if you live in a mobile home or other relatively lightweight structure.

Category 3 - Winds around 110 mph. Structural damage and flooding are very common. Consider evacuation.

Category 4 - Winds around 130 mph. Extreme structural damage and flooding should be expected. Evacuate.

Category 5 - Winds around 150 mph. A category 5 hurricane is considered catastrophic. Evacuation is mandatory.

Hurricane Watch and Hurricane Warning

Hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th. During this time, here are some of the reports you may hear on your local weather station. In order to know how to prepare for a hurricane, you must know what these terms mean and what actions they require.

A hurricane watch means that a hurricane is possible within the next few day or two.

If a hurricane watch is issued, you should:

• Stay tuned to local weather reports.

• Make sure your vehicles are filled with gas and be prepared to evacuate if the need arises. Remember that a power outage means that gas pumps will not work.

• Get cash. Remember that a power outage means that ATMs and credit card machines will not work.

• Make sure prescriptions are filled and you have enough to last several days.

• Check your home emergency kit and make sure it is up to date.

• Secure small outside objects.

A hurricane warning means that a hurricane is expected to occur within the next day.

If a hurricane warning is issued, you should have already accomplished all of the steps included for a hurricane watch. Add to those:

• Secure your storm shutters or board up windows to prevent glass from shattering.

• Fill sinks, bathtubs and plastic containers with water for washing. Do not use this water for drinking - you should have bottled water in your home emergency kit for this purpose.

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the lowest settings to keep your food cold longer in case of a power failure.

• Begin to gather your evacuation materials and be ready to evacuate immediately when the need arises.

Hurricane Safety Tips

These simple hurricane safety tips could save your life or the lives of your loved-ones. The more action you take in advance of the storm, the quicker you will be able to escape from the danger zone. Make these decisions now.

• Decide ahead of time when you will evacuate. This decision could be based on the severity of the storm. For instance, you could decide that you will always evacuate if a hurricane reaches a category 3. Keep in mind that you should always evacuate when it is suggested by authorities.

• Decide ahead of time where you will go when evacuation becomes necessary. If you have pets you should ensure that your selected location accepts pets. Most storm shelters do not. If you have a camper, you might want to consider hitching it up and spending a few days at a campground.

• Plan your evacuation route with a couple of alternate routes in case of road closures.

• Prepare an evacuation kit that you can grab easily on your way out the door. Your kit should include a road map, important telephone numbers, all of your vital records, your home emergency kit, and a list of clothing items, bedding, toiletries, medications and any other daily living necessities that you can pull together quickly.

• Decide upon an out-of-state family member who will be in charge of keeping track of your location. Contact that family member immediately upon your decision to evacuate and keep in touch periodically until you reach your final destination.

Knowing hurricane safety and taking action early are vital to your survival if a serious storm strikes. Be prepared. Protect yourself and your loved ones.