Storm Preparation Tips
The Storm Is Coming
Hurricane Season Begins Soon
Hurricane season in Florida officially starts on June 1st and ends November 30th. Between these two dates, 97% of the named storms will occur. This does not mean that other storms cannot occur outside of these dates, it is just that it is rare. September is the peak of the season and most of the stronger storms will occur then. While 2009 was a relatively mild hurricane season, it does not pay to become complacent. Any category of storm can suddenly turn vicious, bringing with it multiple lightening strikes, tornadoes, and flood waters. For instance, parts of Florida can get up to 22,000 lightening strikes a year. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the worst storm of your life.
Things You'll Need
- Bottled water
- Canned food
- Manuel can opener
- Masking or duct tape
- Plywood
- Batteries
- Flashlights
- Radio
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Generator (optional)
Hurricane Francis-2004
Hurricanes
Have You Been Through A Hurricane?
Like A Hurricane
Steps to Safety
The first step in being prepared is knowing what is coming your way. Keep abreast of the latest news on any storm. Even a tropical depression can eventually turn into a hurricane.
Second, pick up a storm tracker from any local store and track the path of the storm along with the officials. Even if it doesn't appear to be heading for your area, a hurricane can stop in it's tracks and turn around. Knowledge is power.
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Once you are sure that a hurricane is heading towards your area, begin making your preparations at least two days before the projected arrival. With hurricanes, often come tornadoes and they can turn ordinary lawn objects into deadly shrapnel. The first thing to do is clear your lawn of all movable objects, including lawn furniture, grills, and toys, especially lawn darts. Anything that is too difficult to move, secure to the ground or to another secure object. This will lessen the risk of injury from flying debris.
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Next, turn your attention to your windows and doors. First tape your windows in a criss- cross pattern, then board them up with plywood. Remove all screen doors and tuck them away safely. Reinforce all of your door jams, but leave yourself a way out, especially if you are going to ride out the storm. If you choose to leave, then pack up your important documents, plenty of food and water, and go to your nearest shelter.
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If you choose to stay in your home during the storm, stay in a room without windows for the duration of the storm. Keep everyone together and hold on tight. When the storm is over, do not go outside right away, rather wait until the officials tell you the danger is over. Now you can access the damage. Even if your house is relatively undamaged, chances are you will not have electricity for anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. If you have a generator, you may use it sparingly for your basic needs. If not, use your grill to cook or heat food. Often, there is at least one or two grills in the neighborhood and, in my experience, people are more than willing to share. Your bottled water and canned food will come in handy now, as will the flashlights and batteries. The most important thing is to survive the storm. Once the storm is over, help will be on it's way.
Tips & Warnings
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Keep calm, panic will only put your family at more risk.
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If you do use a generator, make sure the area around it is well ventilated.
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There have been quite a few carbon monoxide deaths from improper use of generators after the storm.
Hurricane Safety And Prep
- What Is Needed For Your Hurricane and Natural Disaster Emergency Kit With A Preparedness Checklist
Be prepared for the hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and floods! What is needed to be prepared! From our past experience with Hurricane Ike, it is a known fact a well put together preparedness kit can mean survival or not to survive such a storm or - Hurricane Safety and Preparedness
There's been quite a few posts around the internet about Hurricane Sandy and how to stay safe. Some of the articles have great information, while others have potentially life threatening information disguised as sage wisdom. As someone who has lived. - What Makes a Hurricane So Dangerous?
If you are prone to hurricane threat then update yourself with the right hurricane info from time to time. Better planning and following the accurate hurricane safety tips can minimize the damage to a very extent.
Cape Canaveral, Florida
Cape Canaveral,Florida is located on the ease coast of Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean.
© 2012 Mary Krenz
