Hurricane/Storm Preparing

Preparing for a Hurricane/Storm

Seven hurricanes and four tropical storms are predicted during this year's hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. You should know how to prepare your family and home, procedures to be taken during the storm and the aftermath. You can ward off some of the dangers if you are prepared which allows to you to stay ahead of the storm.
If you do not have a family disaster plan, one should be prepared right away. Portable radio, torch lights, candles or lanterns should be working and extra batteries obtained. Ensure that other family members and friends are aware of the situation. Checks should be done around the house to ensure windows and glass doors are boarded up. Taping windows
will not prevent breakage, but will help reduce shattering. Check trees and shrubbery, and remove limbs that could damage your house or utility lines. You don't need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples on your cupboard shelves. Keep a supply of cooking and eating implements that can be used in the absence of running water or electricity, including; plastic utensils, paper cups and plates, a heating source, such as a camp stove or canned heat stove, and extra fuel. Water and non-perishable or canned foods should be collected to last at least three day. Vehicle gas tanks should be also filled up. All important documents such as birth certificates, insurance policies, passports should be kept in a water-tight container or in plastic envelopes. If you don't think your home can withstand the storm, move to a safer location with friends or relatives or to an emergency shelter. Listen to your radio and or television for updates on the storms.
During the storm, it is safest to use a battery-powered radio or television to monitor what is taking place. If power is lost, turn off major appliances such as the air conditioner and water heater to reduce damage. Stay inside and keep away from windows or glass doors. Stay on the leeward, or downwind, side of the house. If the storm center passes over your area, there will be a short period of calm. The wind and rain may cease, but do not go outside. Remember, at the other side of the eye, the wind speed rapidly increases to hurricane force and will come from the opposite direction. Monitor your radio or TV for the latest weather advisories and other emergency information. Stay on the downwind side of the house. Find a safe area in your home an interior, reinforced room, closet or bathroom on the lower floor. Wait for official word before you leave your home.
When inspecting a house for hurricane damage, make sure there is no live power in or around the house.
Make extra sure that main electrical breakers are off. The most common repairs will involve nailing plywood or taping heavy plastic to broken windows, ceilings, and walls. Also there are several health and safety hazards that remain even after the hurricane's wind and rain have passed. Injuries can happen to anyone dealing with the aftermath of a major storm, so it is wise to be overly cautious. Debris-filled streets are dangerous; therefore, walk or drive with caution. Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage, make sure it is not in danger of collapse. Upon entering a building, do not use open flame as a light source use a battery-operated flashlight. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuit. Children should never be left alone or allowed to play in damaged buildings or in areas that might be unsafe. Protective clothing should also be worn on legs, arms, feet, and hands while cleaning up debris. Wear rubber gloves while scrubbing flood damaged interiors and furniture. Purify all water used for drinking, cooking, and washing, and for eating and cooking utensils. Also, purify the water used for washing hands, body, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Do not use water that has a dark color, an odor, or contains floating material. To disinfect water, one of four methods may be used: (1) boil at a rolling boil for 10 minutes; (2) add 8 drops of liquid chlorine bleach (such as Clorox) per gallon of water; (3) add 20 drops of two percent iodine per gallon of clear water, or 40 drops per gallon of cloudy water; (4) add water purification tablets according to directions on the package. These tablets can be bought at most drug and sporting goods stores. These solutions should be thoroughly mixed and the water allowed standing for at least 30 minutes before
using.
A natural disaster, such as a hurricane, not only leaves a trail of property destruction in its wake, but many times leaves thousands of its victims with a destroyed sense of balance. Victims may need to devote time to restoring their own emotional equilibrium. It is very important to be extra patient and accept that restoration (both physical and emotional) takes time. In a crisis situation, it is essential to have a supportive network with family, friends, and neighbours.