Hurricane Season 2007—Be Prepared Before a Storm Hits
According to a news release issued by Colorado State University, it’s expected 17 named storms will be forming in the Atlantic basin between now and November 30. Of those 17 storms, nine are predicted to develop into hurricanes–and of those nine, five are expected to become major hurricanes, with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher. At least it’s not projected to be as active as those years we’ll never forget—2004 and 2005, where eight major hurricanes devastated areas in states such as Florida, Louisiana, and other Gulf Coast states.
How can you prepare?
Before the storm
First, have a family plan in motion, long before the storm hits. Do you plan to stay and sweat it out? Or will you head out of town? You’ll need to know your course of action ahead of time— before the storm hits.
If you plan to leave, gas up your cars before the miles of frantic other motorists pull up in line ahead of you. And even if don’t plan to leave, you still should gas up. Don’t forget to carry important papers, including insurance papers, needed medicines, and other important papers and necessities. Take enough cash to last for at least two to three weeks.
If you feel you’ll be safe in your home, based on the latest knowledge you receive from your local television and radio stations, then you’ll have to prepare your home. You’ll need to secure your property. Bring in all hoses, and other outside objects that could be used as flying weapons during the storm.
Don’t rely on masking tape to protect your windows. They’re just not strong enough. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. When we lived in Florida, we used plywood, with about 5/8″ thickness, purchased at a local home improvement center such as Home Depot. Have it cut to fit and ready to install. On several occasions, we boarded up with plywood, but didn’t experience much turbulence. In fact, the worst we lived through was Hurricane David (a storm of winds around 90 mph) in 1979, when our wooden fence fell down. If the storm doesn’t come, that’s great, but it’s always better to be prepared.
If you’re riding out the storm at home, stock up on items such as nonperishable canned goods, batteries, bottled water, and candles. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio so you’ll know what’s going on during the storm. It’s also a good idea to fill up your bathtubs with water in case you’re without electricity for a long time.
If you have no transportation and fear your home isn’t secure, then learn where your newest community shelter is located. Take all the needed medicines you’ll need, as well as items you’ll need for your family, such as plenty of diapers if you have babies.
During the storm
Stay indoors the entire length of the storm. Stay away from windows. Most of all don’t be deceived when the eye of the storm passes over and all seems calm. Actually, the worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. What’s more, shrubs, trees, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
After the storm
Be alert for tornadoes as they often develop after a hurricane. When it does seem safe, don’t dash outdoors right away. When you do venture out and drive, be aware of washed out roads and downed power lines.
If a major storm does strike, report the damage as soon as possible. FEMA will provide information through the media and community outreach about federal assistance and how to apply. Their number is Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Meanwhile, get in touch with the Red Cross, Salvation Army and other volunteer organizations for needed assistance.
Most important, try not to panic. Often it’s not as bad as you think. As I stated, we lived in Florida for almost three decades and never experieced a major hurricane, although the pattern has changed since we’ve moved out of the state. Just before we moved from Florida to Connecticut in September, 1999, Hurricane Floyd was on our path. We were so busy loading up the moving van, we didn’t think to secure a motel on the west coast. When I realized it was probably going to hit close to Palm Beach County with sustaining winds over 100 mph, I did panic, calling every motel I could find on the west coast. They were all filled. Not able to sleep that night, I got up around 2 AM to turn on the TV for the latest news. Much to my relief the storm had veered away from us.
In other words, it’s best to prepare, but you have to put all in God’s hands and not get into fear.
