June 1st strikes fear in the hearts of anyone living along a coastline in the United States because that is the first day of hurricane season. Remembering disasters such as Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Andrew reminds residents that they need to be prepared and alert for the next monster storm.
Prepare Before the Storm
To avoid the mass chaos that ensues in the days leading up to an impending storm, be prepared at least a month before hurricane season begins. Most local media outlets develop a handy checklist and guide for residents to assist with planning.
The majority of your supplies will be nonperishable, so getting ready early is always the best idea. Items you should have include supplies to cover you for at least three days following the storm. One important supply to start storing is water. The rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water per person per day. Water supplies often become tainted and undrinkable for days after a hurricane hits.
Other important items include flashlights, batteries, battery-operated radios or TVs, baby items (formula and diapers) and enough nonperishable food (canned tuna, chips and cereals) for three days. A fully stocked emergency first aid kit and filled prescriptions are necessary, too.
Don't forget about your pet, either. Have enough food and water for your animals. Also, if you have to evacuate, look for a pet-friendly shelter or find some friends to stay with who will allow you to bring your pet.
You may also want to consider purchasing a generator, gas cans and any battery-powered electronics, such as portable DVD players. Hurricanes almost always take down power for many days, so think about what will be needed to keep you and your family safe, calm and occupied during those dark days.
In the few days leading up to the storm, you may want to top off your gas tank and fill gas cans for your generator. Additionally, take out cash from the ATM because credit and debit card networks are typically down after the storm. You should also recharge your cell phone battery in case phone service is interrupted after the storm.
You will also need to bring in patio furniture and any loose items around your home as they can become projectiles during a storm. If you have hurricane shutters or boards, allow yourself one or two days, depending on the size of your home, to put them up.
During the Storm
Hurricanes are scary experiences. They can last for several hours and knowing what to do during the storm can save your life.
If you are told to evacuate because you live in a low-lying area or are close to possible storm surge, you should evacuate. If you don't, you could become trapped in your home for several days. Even worse, you could be killed by storm surge. The Red Cross provides plenty of storm shelters or you can find a friend farther inland who can host you during the storm.
Stay inside, away from the windows during the storm. The safest place in your home is in the room with no windows.
If the hurricane's eye passes over your home, do not go outside. The eye typically passes half way through the storm and is a very calm, almost sunny time. It's tempting to go outside and see it, but you never know if power lines are down and when the next feeder band of rain will strike.
Keep the radio tuned to your local news and weather station so you can get the latest information on the storm's track.
Try to remain calm during one of the powerful feeder bank assaults. If you feel vulnerable, get into the bathtub and pull a mattress over you for protection.
After the Storm
The aftermath is potentially the most dangerous part of the storm. Power lines are down, trees and debris are scattered throughout your area and people are trying to clean up.
Before leaving your home, be sure that the National Weather Service has lifted the hurricane warning from your area. You should also be cognizant of any tornado or flash flood advisories.
Scan your immediate area before leaving to ensure that no downed power lines are nearby. If you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Call your local power and light company immediately and report that it is on the ground. They will give your call priority and move quickly to handle the situation.
Do not walk through standing water. There could be a downed power line in the standing water or shards of glass and other dangerous debris below the surface.
Listen to your local emergency management officials. They may instate a curfew or ask that residents remain in a certain area while they assess the situation.
Once life returns to normal, ask the local gas and power companies to inspect your lines to ensure that no leaks occurred as a result from damage from the storm.
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