How to survive a hurricane’s rage
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION
Handling the dangers of a hurricane require more than an ability to evacuate in
a timely fashion, of course, since relatively few of the areas affected by the storms
actually require that final drastic measure. The bulk of the preparations focus on
preventing damage to property during the storm, and ensuring that people in stricken areas
are able to ride out the aftermath as well.
Agencies like the Red Cross, NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
devote much of their work before the storm to helping people make these necessary
preparations.
For protecting your property, FEMA officials recommend a broad range of steps,
including reinforcing garage doors; erecting hurricane shutters or plywood window
coverings; bracing the gable end of your roof framing; reinforcing double-entry doors; and
removing potential airborne missiles, like yard sheds, and trees that are too close to the
home. The Red Cross also recommends trimming trees and shrubs; removing any debris or
loose items from your yard; and installing covers for sliding glass doors.
PREPARING THE FAMILY
Perhaps more important are the individual preparations for personal well-being
that people living in the hurricane zones need to make.
First, urges the Red Cross, develop a family disaster plan. This can include
checking with your insurance agent about your financial protection; learning about your
community’s preparedness; and discussing the dangers with your family.
But the most important step, they say, is developing disaster supplies kit: a
week’s supply of food and water; a portable, battery-powered radio or television and
extra batteries; flashlight and extra batteries; first-aid kit and first-aid manual;
supply of prescription medications; credit card and cash; personal identification; an
extra set of car keys; matches in a waterproof container; signal flares; and special needs
such as diapers or formula, prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions, hearing
aid batteries, spare wheelchair battery, spare eyeglasses, or other physical needs.
When the hurricane watch hits, the Red Cross also recommends a series of steps
to prepare for the eventual storm: filling your car tank; readying your property; turning
your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings; turning off propane tanks and
unplugging small appliances; and reviewing your family’s evacuation plan.
WHEN THE STORM LANDS
The picture changes dramatically if the hurricane actually hits land and appears
headed your way. Then, say officials, it’s important to be prepared for evacuation
and all of the attendant miseries of a major disaster.
It’s important, the Red Cross warns, to stay near a radio so that word can
be quickly relayed if the storm is about to hit your area. If it does, and an evacuation
is ordered, take your disaster supplies kit to a designated shelter with you, and call any
pre-arranged check-in contacts so they know where you are going.
If no evacuation orders arrive, make sure you ride out the storm safely at home.
Stay indoors and on the first floor; stay away from windows and any glass; close all
interior doors, and secure and brace exterior doors; store drinking water in anything that
will hold it, including bathtubs and sinks; and if power goes out, turn off all your
appliances to reduce surge problems when it is restored.
If your live in a mobile home, officials say, it’s important to get out
immediately — after first checking the dwelling’s tie-downs.
They also warn that the “eye” of the storm can be deceptive. Stay
inside until after the entire storm passes. Also, they urge, watch out for floods that can
arise in the wake of such a storm, as well as the small tornadoes that can touch down in
their wake.
AFTER THE STORM
Once the storm has passed, the dangers not only may still lurk but in some cases
may worsen. There are downed power lines, sweeping floodwaters and even wild animals that
can pose lethal threats.
- Keep listening to your radio, the Red Cross urges, and if you’ve
been evacuated, only return home when officials announce that it’s safe. Keep an eye
out for extended storms after the hurricane has passed.
- Stay away from flood waters, and keep yourself on solid
ground. It’s easy to get swept away even by six inches of moving water. And downed
power lines can turn pools of standing water into lethal electrocution ponds. Don’t
ignore barricades.
- Lend a hand to any injured or trapped persons you happen to
find until emergency workers can arrive, but don’t unnecessarily move someone with a
severe injury. Offer assistance to neighbors who may need special assistance.
- Keep an eye out for any loose power lines, since they can
kill the unwary. Don’t turn on any electrical appliances that have gotten wet until
they’re completely dry. And stay out of buildings that have water in them, since
flooding can weaken foundations and make buildings prone to sudden collapse. When you
enter a damaged building, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and check for electrical, gas or
other dangers, and keep an eye out for snakes or other animals that might have sought
refuge there.
Related Links:
The Hurricane Page 
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Hurricane Season Predicted 1999
Okaloosa
County Hurricane Routes and Shelters
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