Almost nothing is immune to the destruction caused by nature when it strikes. Floods, tornadoes, and hazardous hurricanes are just a few of the severe weather events that cause millions of dollars’ worth of damage.
Most of the time, all we can do is just move out of the way when Mother Nature decides to act erratically or try to find any means possible to prevent harm to our properties.
Randy Wagner, a Texan, took precise action in this manner to protect his house from harm during the hurricane season.For a 400-foot length of plastic wall that would shield his house from floodwaters during the hurricane, Randy have spent up to $8,300.
Many of his friends and neighbors thought it was a stupid investment and that spending so much money on the plastic and using so much time putting it up was completely unreasonable.
But Randy’s very wise choice to protect his home from the approaching storm seemed crazy to them. Contrary to what his neighbors believed, Randy was able to keep the water away from his home by constructing a 400-foot barrier around it. He was ultimately spared losses that could have cost up to $150,000 to fix thanks to his $8,300 investment.
Just like Randy, it’s critical to understand what safety measures to take when a hurricane is imminent. These fundamental pointers can be helpful.
Know where to go: It’s crucial to be constantly aware of your surroundings and to be familiar with the best escape routes before an order to evacuate is given. Make arrangements for where you can stay as well. Prepare an emergency kit bag with all the essentials you’d require, like a flashlight, batteries, some cash, basic first aid supplies, and medication.
If you have been told to leave your home, you should not under any circumstances stay there. Make preparations for emergency supplies that will keep you alive for several days even if you lose power or water in the event that you haven’t been told to leave and will be staying at home. You should also think about how your family or perhaps your community will communicate in an emergency.
Online resources make it simple to learn more about your local emergency communication service.
Getting Your Home Ready
You should make an effort to secure your home as part of your hurricane preparations in order to prevent and reduce damage as much as you can. Prior to hurricane season, prune any nearby tree limbs that could potentially fall during a strong wind gust and cause damage to nearby properties.
Clear any clogged gutter sections and take out any debris to position your home to receive the extra water that will be entering. To ensure that they are sturdy enough to withstand the power of the impending weather, you need additionally secure and reinforce the roof, windows, and doors.
Storms nearly always result in power outages, so you should prepare by installing a generator or purchasing a portable generator. If you have the resources, think about constructing a “FEME safe room” or “ICC 500 storm shelter” in areas that are above flood levels to protect you from strong winds.
Plan to stay at home and let your friends and family know where you are if you are not evacuating, as well. Being on the road during a storm is not recommended.
To prevent injuries from broken windows while sheltering in place at home during a hurricane, close all the windows and storm shutters and keep your distance from them.
Make sure your refrigerator is set to the coldest setting in order to keep your food fresher for longer even if you lose electricity. Make an effort to follow weather and emergency reports.
What should one do when a hurricane is 36 hours away?
Turn on the TV or any other device you would use to stay informed about the weather and any emergency instructions. Verify that the emergency kit you assembled contains all the essentials in appropriate quantities. Plan a reliable method of communication, preferably one that involves SMS or emails rather than phone calls.
Discuss the evacuation strategy once more with your family. Keep your automobile nearby and in good condition in case you need to make a quick getaway.
What should one do when a hurricane is 18–36 hours away?
Save the website for your city to your favorites for easy access to weather and emergency alerts and directions. Patios, trash cans, and other lightweight items that are easily propelled by strong winds should be removed. If it’s safe to do so, you can bring these items inside; nevertheless, dangerous items like propane tanks should be secured outdoors. Verify that all of your windows are securely shut. If it’s possible, you could board up your windows.
What should one do when a hurricane is six to eighteen hours away?
Turn on the TV to get the latest information if your TV and radio are still on. Every 30 minutes, you should also check the weather website for updates. Storms are unpredictable and have a high rate of speed and direction change. Additionally, be sure that all of your phones are fully charged in case you lose power.
Following a hurricane?
Keep an ear out for instructions and updates, and make sure your family members are all okay by asking them. Wait until you are certain it is completely safe to go home before you do so.
Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters when returning home since they can be hazardous and conceal problematic areas where the ground is unstable or has been washed away.
Due to downed lines, electricity can also be added to the water. For insurance purposes, take a photo of the property damage that has been done.
Please join us in praying for individuals affected by recent hurricanes who have lost friends and family. Always be cautious. Being cautious is preferable to being regretful.
