5 Tips For Staying Safe During A Hurricane

  • Evacuate
  • Stay Informed
  • Secure Property Properly
  • Take Refuge In A Secure Area Indoors
  • Have Necessities

Surviving a hurricane is something everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone zone should be prepared to do. While survival is often left to luck, especially for anyone who chooses not to evacuate during a storm, there are precautionary measures residents should always consider taking. What follows is a guide for increasing chances of survival when a hurricane comes ashore.

Another great resource: 20 Top Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs Under $23,000 Average Net

Evacuate

One of the best ways to ensure survival during a hurricane is to evacuate entirely. This is especially important if local authorities have directed all residents to do so. Evacuating as early as possible is often advisable, because traffic gets worse once an official evacuation order is issued. This delays getting to safety. Residents should plan for the possibility of an evacuation when a storm of significant strength, such as a 4 or 5 on the Saffir–Simpson hurricane wind scale, is predicted to come their way.

Stay Informed

Citizens should always remain as informed as possible when facing turbulent and unpredictable weather conditions. This can be via TV, radio and Web sources. However, have fallback sources of information if a main source suddenly becomes unavailable. For example, an Internet connection may easily be lost, and loss of power can render a TV useless. Have extra batteries and alternate methods to charge devices if need be. Information can change quickly in a crisis situation and residents should remain up-to-date on critical news that could keep them and their families safe.

Secure Property Properly

Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in property damage every year. Even with the best efforts, buildings, vehicles and other personal property get severely damaged by the rain and high winds that hurricanes produce. Boarding up windows, closing storm shutters, putting away all outside items such as lawn chairs and hanging plants that could become dangerous projectiles, and storing cars under cover should be done. Homeowners in areas likely to experience hurricanes should consider making hurricane-ready improvements to their homes, such as putting in storm shutters or hurricane-proof windows. This is especially important for homes near the water. For citizens who own a boat, it should be moored properly, assuming enough time remains.

Take Refuge In A Secure Area Indoors

When the storm hits, shelter should be sought in a secure, indoor area. This can include an interior first-floor hallway or a bathroom. Basements are secure, but unlike with tornadoes flooding is a concern, which makes being down so low less recommended. If water begins flooding in, a retreat to higher ground should be undertaken. Unfortunately, mobile homes and other temporary structures are particularly dangerous when trying to survive hurricanes and shelter should be sought elsewhere.

Have Necessities

There are a number of necessities everyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area should have at all times, or at the very least pick up when a storm is on its way. Some items people looking to survive a hurricane should include a stocked first-aid kit, gasoline, food, blankets and more according to Time Magazine. It is also a good idea to fill a bathtub with water to ensure access to clean water for drinking and cleaning. Planning for alternative sources of power such as batteries or a generator may also be advisable.

An education in emergency management can prepare students and citizens alike in surviving a natural disaster such as a hurricane. These tips for surviving a hurricane can save lives in the case of a violent storm.