The hurricane season starts up for the southeast U.S. in June. This hurricane survival guide will tell you everything you need to know to safely make it through the next hurricane.
The most important thing to protect yourself from in a hurricane is flooding. Never underestimate the damaging effects of flooding! Then you need to take steps to protect yourself from the effects of high winds and ensure that you use any generators safely.
Most people believe that hurricane safety revolves around protecting yourself from high winds. While it is important to protect against high winds, flooding is the most important thing to consider when dealing with hurricane safety!
Hurricane Survival: The First Steps
Prepare ahead of time. If you’re in an area frequently subjected to hurricanes, you should already be getting ready!
Put together a hurricane kit. Have plenty of food and water ready. Flooding, downed trees, and power outages could disrupt your ability to go shopping for up to several weeks.
Plan to lose power. Having flashlights and area lights that run off of a battery or solar power is ideal. Don’t plan on using things like candles or kerosene lamps unless you have to. You’re just adding the possibility of causing a fire on top of the dangers already associated with the hurricane.
Identify a room with no windows for the family to meet during the storm. You should move all your essentials there before the hurricane so you don’t need to wander around the house if the power goes out. If you don’t have a room with no windows, try to stay away from the windows during the storm.
If anyone in your family needs medication or special needs, ensure you’re prepared with at least a week’s worth of medication and can deal with those needs for a week without outside help.
Hurricane Flood Safety
Floods are one of the most dangerous parts of any natural disaster. Always take flood watches and flood warnings seriously!
Flood Watch
A flood watch means favorable conditions for weather that can lead to flooding. Keep informed by watching local news or listening to local radio stations.
Flood Warning
A flood warning means that flooding is already occurring or imminent. Move to a safe area before your access to escape is cut off by water. Monitor local television and radio stations for safety announcements. If you’re advised to evacuate, you should strongly consider it! Load up the bug-out bags and hit the road.
Flood Safety
Flash floods are the number one cause of flood-related deaths. Do not walk through flowing water. Only six- inches of moving water can knock you off your feet and drag you into deeper water.
If you’re forced to walk through floodwaters to get to safety, use a walking stick to probe the ground in front of you.
Vehicles are not necessarily safe. Right around 50% of flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Don’t drive through floodwaters unless you have to.
Driving around barriers can lead you to washed-out roads and bridges.
Try to avoid standing water while you move to safety. If your vehicle gets stuck or stalls, abandon it and move to higher ground. If you stay in the water as it rises, you could be swept away.
The number two killer during floods is electrocution. Avoid downed power lines and electrical wires at all costs. If you see downed power lines, you can report them to your local electrical company.
Don’t use any appliances or motors that are wet. Make sure they’re completely dried out before you try to use them. This goes for electronics as well.
Property Protection
Place sandbags in the toilets to prevent sewage from backing into your house.
Elevate anything that can be damaged by water as high as possible. If you have a second story, moving your things there is best.
Use a waterproof container or bag to store vital documents and medical supplies.
Take your animals with you. If you can’t, you need to ensure they have food and water and are in the safest place to put them.
Leave the doors to your refrigerators and freezers open. This will help to prevent them from floating around and causing damage to your house.
Flood Insurance
Most standard insurance plans do not include flood insurance. Now is the time to contact your insurance company to ensure flood protection.
It takes about 30 days for flood insurance to kick in, so ensure you have the plan to survive until that insurance comes through.
High Wind Safety
Keep trees trimmed and away from your house. High winds can cause the branches to damage your house or break windows. Loose branches can do the same thing, so ensure there are no damaged or loose branches.
Secure patio furniture and other items around the outside of your house. They can easily get blown around and smash windows.
Consider installing hurricane shudders over your windows. They can be expensive, but they do a great job protecting your windows during high winds.
Move your vehicles into the garage if you have one. Don’t leave a vehicle in the driveway if you don’t have to.
Make sure that all of the doors on your property are secured. This goes for sheds, barns, the garage, and your home itself. A loosely closed door can easily get blown open, allowing rain and debris to blow inside.
Generator Safety
Many people buy generators and then stick them in the garage, never to be seen again. Follow these simple steps to get it up and to run in no time.
With portable generators, they must be operated outside. Ensure they’re far away from your windows and doors, so the exhaust doesn’t come back into the house.
There are almost always deaths related to carbon monoxide poising following storms. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to keep your family safe.
Most Popular Portable Generators
Generator Maintenance
Maintaining your generator is key to ensuring it’s good to go when you need it most. Following this simple list will ensure it runs when you start it up.
If you need help finding a generator, stop by our article explaining how to choose the perfect generator.
Conclusion
The hurricane season can be a difficult and stressful time for those living in the southeast U.S. It is important to be prepared ahead of time by having a hurricane kit with enough food and water to last several weeks, as well as a plan for dealing with power outages and flooding.
Flooding is the most dangerous aspect of hurricanes, and it’s important to take flood watches and warnings seriously. Always be aware of the potential for flash floods and avoid standing water.
Additionally, take steps to protect your property by elevating items and using sandbags to prevent sewage backup. Remember that the safety of you and your family should be your top priority during a hurricane.