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Article Series: Hurricanes
Hurricane Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols
Safety
Plans for a Hurricane Storm Surge
It is estimated that during a hurricane, nine out
of ten people who loose their lives are actually killed because
of the storm surge. This storm surge is the incredible
wall of water that is described time and again by survivors
who were awed by the towering dome of green or black
water that suddenly rose up and came inland. Sometimes
these walls of water can be up to 30 or 40 feet tall,
and 50 to 100 miles long. Storm surges are part and parcel
of the hurricanes you will face every year, and it is
important to get a safety plan of action when planning
for your and your family’s survival.
While there are a good many things you can do on a city-wide
and state-wide level to help prepare for the eventuality of
such a natural disaster, it is up to the individual to prepare
themselves and their families to survive. Do you know what
to do? Here are some tips on how to prepare.
Usually the word of an impending hurricane is given weeks
in advance. At that time, it is a good idea to package your
most important valuables, such as photos and other memorabilia,
in waterproof containers and bags. Store them in the attic
of your home.
Have readily available packs of survival gear, such as flashlights
with plenty of extra batteries, battery operated radio, some
clothes, food, drinking water, and also pet food if you have
pets.
If you have pets that are caged, make sure you have smaller
transport carriers ready to go, so that if you must leave your
home on foot, you will be able to bring your caged pet with
you.
As a hurricane comes closer, be sure to have your radio or
television tuned to a local station that gives you constant
updated and that will also alert you in case an evacuation
order is issued. Be prepare to evacuate your home at a moment’s
notice, and know how to shut off your water, electricity, and
gas at the main switches and valves before you leave. This
will lower your risk of returning to a burnt out home.
If you are told to evacuate, leave. Do not try to wait it
out. Do not pack just a few more things, but simply get your
things and get out. If you do so early, you will probably be
able to use your car. If you wait too long, the roads will
be clogged and you will have to evacuate on foot.
If you are caught off guard by the storm surge, you may have
to evacuate to the highest point you can safely reach, which
is usually the roof of your home. If you find yourself in this
position, be sure to bring a brightly colored blanket and your
survival pack with you. It may be a little while before someone
will be able to get to you, and you need to be able to hold
on for a few hours or perhaps days.
If at all possible, avoid contact with the floodwaters, simply
because of the contaminants, such as sewage, they contain.
Additionally, be very cautious of downed power lines, since
they may have electrified a pool of water. If you are walking,
do not step into fast moving currents, simply because they
have been known to sweep people off their feet and out into
the ocean. Even if you are a good swimmer, you are still at
risk simply because of the strong pull the ocean will have
on you. The same is true for traversing a disaster area in
your car. It does not take that much to float the car and sweep
it away, and you will not be any safer inside the car then
outside it.
Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2007
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