June 1st is that time of year again—Hurricane Season. Are you
prepared? The prediction for this year is at least eleven tropical storms in
the Atlantic Ocean with as many as seven turning into hurricanes. The
following tips will ensure the safest considerations when preparing for a
hurricane.
What is a hurricane?
Hurricanes are a “tropical cyclone” storm system with winds of at least 75 mph. The name hurricane comes from West India and means “big wind”. Once a storm reaches a tropical storm status with 40mph winds the storm is given a name by the National Hurricane Center, which is kept for the life of the storm. Hurricanes are often attracted to the waters along the Texas coast because the Gulf of Mexico lies in a natural path for the storm and contains warm waters that help the storm to grow. Hurricanes bring heavy rain and gale force winds that can extend up to 300 miles from the center of the storm. In addition hurricanes can spur lightning, hail, storm surges and tornadoes, which can cause tremendous damage as the storm moves inland.
Preparing For The Storm
If a storm should form, the good thing is with modern technologies it can be tracked for days before it makes landfall. A “Hurricane Watch” means that the storm will probably make landfall in a certain area within 24 hours. A watch area is usually pretty large area because the storm can still change direction. A “Hurricane Warning” means the storm is coming inland within the next 24 hours and there is a better idea of where the landfall zone will be. There is time to prepare and you should prepare well before the storm comes in.
v First and foremost---DO NOT PANIC, PREPARE FOR THE STORM.
v Plan a course of action- review maps and evacuation routes should the need arise. Watch for rising waters and flooding- do not wait until it is too late.
v Get your car ready- Change the oil, fill it up- If the power goes out the pumps don’t run and gas station lines can be long.
v Think about boarding up and taping windows. Check your insurance- Are you covered?
v Check on older folks and relatives that may need some help in the area.
v Plan for your pets and livestock.
v Check your flashlight batteries, and get some extra.
v Get a battery operated radio or weather radio/ first aid kit, camera and film, candles, 2-5 day supply of canned goods, a manual can opener and water, diapers, formula, medicine, a cooler, games for the family, cash (credit cards may not work, hotels fill up and ice and water at the stores run short).
v Start saving milk containers for clean water storage. You can also clean and fill the bathtub and washing machine.
v Check your house; put away patio furniture and outside toys that can be picked up by the wind.
v Secure television antennas and satellite dishes, lawnmowers, propane grill, gasoline cans.
v Think about using the food items in the freezer and refrigerator in your meals. It can spoil.
v Check on windows and shutters and doors, rental properties, boats and RV’s –are they secure? Are you ready?
v Don’t ride the storm out. If you are told to evacuate….Go.
Remember Hurricanes are a natural part of weather that can disrupt our lives in the Gulf Coast area. Having a good plan of attack before the storm will get you ready for the season ahead. Be safe, but most of all be prepared.
