Step 1.KNOW SOME OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH A STORM. *
Flooding
Can occur from heavy rains,rivers,drainage ditches.
*
Storm Surge
Typically associated with the land falling hurricane.
Depending on intensity of storm, can cover extremely
large areas of coastline, as Katrina demonstrated.
The storm surge typically causes the most deaths associated
with a hurricane.
*
High Wind
Roof damage,falling trees,power lines, can demolish entire
homes.
*
Tornadoes
Often occur with land falling hurricanes. Can cause tremendous
wind type damage very far from the center of a hurricane in
unexpected areas.
Know what potential hazards may affect you or your home. Flooding potential, storm surge susceptibility. If your home or residence may flood. LEAVE. Katrina has given us many stories of people who stayed in their homes and were flooded due to unexpected storm surge levels.
Step 2.Start collecting material and supplies NOW. Wood / Shutters for boarding up windows. Don't wait until the last minute to try to acquire wood and then cut and mount it. Have it pre-cut and ready to mount. Store it until needed. I know from experience that trying to hold a 8x4 plywood sheet on a ladder in gusty wind is very difficult.
Who would have guessed that the ply-lock clips used to mount plywood sheets on windows would disappear off the shelves as a storm approached.. Prepare Early.
Test your generator NOW and perform any repairs. A generator that doesn't work properly after the storm is not very helpful.
Step 3.Have an evacuation plan. While you can not easily say where exactly you will evacuate months in advance. Have maps available and write down your plans. Ensure your friends and family know where you plan to evacuate. (Its very difficult to reserve motel rooms in some areas once people start evacuating. Rooms as far as Memphis, TN become scarce during large mass evacuations. So make your reservations early. If you plan to evacuate).
Step 4.If a hurricane develops. Stay Informed! Do be caught by surprise if a storms path or intensity changes. We know that a storms path and intensity can change dramatically in hours. In sometimes, unexpected manners. OBEY your local governments recommendations. If they suggest you leave the area..seriously consider leaving. Know where local shelters are setup. Know what is allowed to take to a shelter. Don't just show up without food or water or blankets. They may not be setup to provide them. They will be providing a place that's safer to stay in than your home in most cases.
Your Disaster Supply Kit (Yes YOU should have one)-
The following (taken from the NHC Disaster Supply Kit Instructions) should be included in everyone's "Kit".
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
• non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
• foods for infants or the elderly
• snack foods
• non-electric can opener
• cooking tools / fuel
• paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
TV - Battery operated? NOTE Older analog tvs will not work after
Feb 2009 without a converter box...
Cash (with some small bills) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
• insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
Vehicle fuel tanks filled
Pet care items
• proper identification / immunization records / medications
• ample supply of food and water
• a carrier or cage
• muzzle and leash
Ensure your Generator is functional.
Additionally we found that having several extra gas cans for our generator was VERY helpful. Also if you are able you might want to stockpile some fuel in advance, but be aware that long term storage of gas requires specific fuel additives and some very serious safety issues. After Katrina, we had a serious problem acquiring fuel for vehicles and generators.
Links to help you be informed:http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtmlhttp://www.nhc.noaa.gov/http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtmhttps://www.meted.ucar.edu/loginForm.ph ... rike%252F#http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/index.asphttp://www.weather.com/
And let's get one thing straight. There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician; the other is an artist in love with flight. — E. B. Jeppesen
