15 Survival techniques of hurricanes, Hurricane Ian
1. Getting ready in advance
1.1. If you live in a hurricane-prone location, be prepared.
Do you reside in a hurricane-prone state, such as Florida, Georgia, or the Carolinas? Before the start of hurricane season, which begins on June 1, organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) encourage you to be prepared. A "Family Disaster Plan" and a "Emergency Disaster Supply Kit" that is simple for the family to find quickly should be included in your preparations.
a. family catastrophe plan covers your emergency procedures. Consider mapping out numerous emergency escape routes, just in case your preferred one becomes impassable. Decide where you will meet if you become separated.
b. Conduct exercises to show family members how to cut off the electricity, gas, and water. Make sure everyone, including the youngest members of the family, knows how to contact 911.
c. A catastrophe kit is something you should always have on hand. It ought to have the essentials, such as food, water, a first aid kit, and lights, that you'll require to live independently for at least 72 hours.
d. Preparation becomes impossible once winds approach tropical force,so you must concentrate on staying alive
e. Check your insurance policy to see if hurricane damage is covered. Get a plan if you don't already have homeowners or renters insurance.
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1.2. Consider purchasing a generator.
Until the power comes back on, a generator will guarantee that you have electricity once a storm has passed. Place it safely away from rain and rising water. Know how to utilize it properly, and pay close attention to ventilation in particular.
• A generator should always be grounded and placed in a dry region.
• Never connect a portable generator directly to the wiring of your home or into a standard outlet since it could back-feed electricity into the lines.
• Never operate a generator indoors or close to any windows or doors to lower the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you're unclear of how to use it, request a demonstration from the shop.
• Generators need routine inspections and maintenance. Follow the directions carefully to prevent learning;
• Regular maintenance and testing are necessary for generators. If you want to prevent finding out it doesn't function when you need it most, be sure to follow the directions.
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1.3. Purchase torches and radios with batteries.
You'll almost certainly lose electricity during a major hurricane and be cut off from light and communications. Radios and flashlights that run on batteries or kinetic energy can be a good idea to have on hand.
• The best weather receiver is a NOAA "All Alerts" model with a backup battery. You can listen to frequent NOAA updates and forecasts on this radio. Make sure it is powered on and in alert mode when the threat arises.
• Purchase some effective kinetic or battery-powered lights. A decent type that can illuminate a small space for several days on three AAA batteries is the Coleman LED Micropacker. Kinetic-energy lights never run out of power since they utilise mechanical energy from sources like cranks.
• Also a secure alternative are glowsticks. You should be extremely cautious with candles during a storm due to the possibility of gas leakage.
• Keep enough of standard batteries in a sealed container as well.
1.4. If you can, add a "safe room" to your home.
A safe room is a building made to withstand the requirements set forth by the federal government for a severe weather event, such as a tornado or hurricane. They frequently reside in an interior room of houses. In the event of a weather emergency, those who seek refuge in a safe room that has been certified are quite likely to avoid harm or death. Residential safe rooms have been "hardened".
• This indicates that the walls, ceiling, floor, and other features have all been reinforced or fortified to better withstand strong winds.
• You can modify an existing home or build safe rooms. You should make sure it is reachable, has access to water and other necessities, and will provide a level of reasonable comfort for its occupants. For this aim, internal bathrooms are frequently chosen.
• Lacking funds to construct a safe room? Grants and other financing opportunities are provided by the federal government.
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1.5. Pre-emptively secure your property.
High winds cause the majority of hurricane damage, blowing away or ripping apart everything that isn't properly fastened. By taking action before to the start of the season, try to limit any harm.
• Before the season starts, remove any damaged tree limbs nearby your home because strong winds can cause branches and trees to fall. Clear away any additional debris that a storm might cause to fly.
• Improve the protection of your home by installing new roofs, windows, and doors. For protection against storm damage, you could install hurricane shutters, reinforced doors, and impact-resistant windows in advance.
• A contractor can also use metal hurricane clips, braces, or straps to fasten your roof to the home frame.
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1.6. During a watch or warning, reinforce your residence.
If you are aware that a storm is approaching, take additional precautions. There are steps you can take to fortify your home before the storm even forms, even if you've already made retrofits.
• Close any storm shutters you may have.
If not, tape or board up your windows. Use plywood, and don't use duct tape; use alligator tape instead.
• Tighten loose gutters and downspouts, and clean up any obstructions or debris in them. Additionally, turn off all propane tanks.
• Verify the security of your garage doors. Flying garages can wreck your house, so close any gaps between the door and the ground and don't leave them open.
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1.7. Prepare food and water supplies.
Your refrigerator won't operate if the power goes out, and any meat, dairy, or perishable foods will go bad. You can also lose access to your water. Maintain a well-stocked pantry with canned and non-perishable food, as well as bottled water, with at least a three-day supply to offer oneself the best chance of surviving.
• Water bottles should be filled with fresh water, then kept within your shelter. A gallon of water each day, per person, plus additional water for cooking and cleaning, is required. Make a note of drinking water updates on your calendar to make sure they happen.
• Keep enough non-perishable food on hand to last at least three days. This refers to food that has been frozen dried, canned, or tinned. Make sure to account for pet food as well.
• Your bathtub and other large containers should be cleaned and filled with water during the threat stage. These resources may be essential for drinking, bathing, and flushing the toilet after a storm.
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2. Surviving a Storm
2.1. Evacuate.
Try to move north to avoid the storm if at all possible so that it weakens before it hits you. For instance, if you reside in southern Florida, move to Georgia, or if you live in the Carolinas, move inland. Instead of trying to survive the storm, it is far simpler to keep the family and pets safe and together while you are away.
• Stay grouped. If at all feasible, leave your house in a group and with one car.
• Always heed local evacuation orders. Even if your mobile home was built after 1994, you should still prioritize evacuation if you live in one. Even Category 1 hurricanes, which are the weakest, can demolish mobile homes.
• Only bring the essentials, such as your cell phone, medications, identification, cash, and possibly some clothing. Additionally, have a first aid kit with you.
• Fill up the tank with gas and allow plenty of time. During a hurricane, staying in your automobile is not a good idea.
• Pets should never be left behind because they risk being hurt or killed if they can't get away from flying objects, floodwaters, or debris.
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2.2. Find a place to stay.
If you want to stay, you must locate a location that will keep you, your loved ones, and your pets safe during the storm. This shelter shouldn't have any windows or skylights. Close all inside doors and fasten and brace the exterior doors if it is in your home.
• Hopefully, you have made the preparations outlined above. Then, you ought to have a secure location and all you require.
• If not, use the time at hand to get by. Pick a room inside that has thick walls and no windows. For instance, a closet or bathroom inside the house may be used. Even in a ceramic bathtub, you may keep yourself safe by placing plywood over the top.
• As an alternative, look for a local shelter. Shelters are open throughout the state during storms in hurricane-prone locations like Florida. Locate one nearby, and carry supplies like medications, insurance documents, identification, blankets, flashlights, simple snacks, and games.
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2.3. Find refuge at least two hours before the storm arrives.
Never cut it too close. Obtain shelter before the storm begins. Bring along a battery-operated radio and plenty of extra batteries to use for updates (every 15 to 30 minutes). By now, you ought to be feeling the effects of the hurricane's outer bands.
• Keep a careful eye on your emergency preparedness kit.
• Even if it looks safe to go outside, always stay inside. Particularly if you are traveling through the storm's eye, the weather of a hurricane can suddenly improve and deteriorate.
• Refrain from approaching glass doors, skylights, and windows. Flying debris or flying pieces of broken glass present the greatest threat during a hurricane.
• Water and lightning provide a risk of electrocution during a hurricane, so attempt to lie on the ground underneath something substantial, like a table, for increased safety. If you lose power or are in danger of a flood, turn off your main breaker and large appliances. Try to avoid using the phone, the shower, or other electric devices.
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2.4. In an emergency, stay put but do call for assistance.
A powerful hurricane can cause a lot of damage. You might be hurt by debris, in danger from the storm surge, or have another medical emergency. What steps ought to you take in an emergency?
• If flood waters aren't directly threatening you, it's probably preferable to remain indoors and protected. High winds and flying debris might cause you harm or even death.
• If you or a member of your family is in immediate danger, try to phone 911 or your local emergency services. But remember that the phone might not function and that there might not be any emergency services available. For instance, many of 911 calls were not answered during Hurricane Katrina.
• Make use of the tools you have. Using a first aid kit, treat injuries as best you can. If you can get through to 911, they might at least be able to give you some advice on what to do.
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3. Rebuilding Has Begun
3.1. Verify that it is safe to emerge.
Wait until the NOAA gives you the official "all-clear" before leaving your refuge. If the winds decrease, the storm's hazardous eye may be all that remains, followed by the "eye wall's" back side and strong gusts. It may take hours for a hurricane to pass.
• Wind speeds are highest in the vicinity of the storm's eye. The same is true with tornadoes.
• Entering rooms with windows should be postponed for at least 30 minutes after the storm's eye has passed. Even so, you should still proceed with extreme caution because there is still a danger of glass being broken by debris at this point.
• Even after the all-clear, exercise caution. There will be several dangers, including downed power lines, wires, and trees. Any of these lines or wires should not be approached. Instead, make a call to emergency services or the electricity provider for assistance.
• Avoid regions that have been flooded as well. If you must enter a flooded area, go with the utmost caution as there may be concealed risks or debris.
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3.2. Exercise particular caution when entering structures.
The majority, if not all, buildings will be damaged by the hurricane's strong winds. After the storm, only enter structures you are certain are structurally sound. If a building exhibits substantial damage, you should also leave as soon as you may safely do so in case it collapses.
• Use a flashlight instead of candles, matches, torches, or lanterns, stay away if you smell gas, see floodwaters, or the building has been damaged by fire. There might be a gas leak, and if you do, a fire or explosion could break out. To allow any such gas to escape, open the windows and doors.
• Before attempting to turn on the electricity, be SURE it is SAFE. Before turning on any gas or electric connections, double-check all of them.
• When entering a building, take care to watch out for loose or slick floorboards, fallen objects, and fractured masonry.
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3.3. Evaluate the damage.
Staying safe and ensuring the wellbeing of your family and pets should be your top priorities during a hurricane. You shouldn't begin to make an inventory until this is finished. Look for structural problems in your home. Get the police to investigate any potential problems as soon as you can, and then avoid the area until it has been repaired.
• Disinfect and clean anything that may have come into contact with sewage, bacteria, or chemical spills. Additionally, throw away any spoiled food. When in doubt, discard it.
• Establish a safe and functional water system. For instance, get faulty septic systems fixed and get your wells tested for chemical contamination.
Pump out flooding basements (point 3.4). A flooded basement should never be entered because, in addition to the potential for electrocution, floodwaters can conceal trash or harbor bacteria from things like raw sewage. Instead, gently lower the water level until it is gone using a pump, roughly a third each day.
• Start sucking the water down with a shop vac after plugging it into a secure outlet upstairs. Wear rubber boots and keep the cord out of the water for safety.
• If you have a powerful gas pump, enter the basement through a window with the hose.
• Call the fire department and ask them to drain the basement for you if you can't do it safely yourself.
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3.4. Inform your insurance provider of losses.
If you have a flood, wind, and storm damage insurance coverage, you might be able to recover part of the losses to your home and property. As soon as you can, get in touch with your provider to report the issue.
• Begin compiling a list of your claims' damages. Take pictures and videos, save the invoices for supplies, lodging, and repairs. Make sure your insurance company knows how to contact you if you need to leave the house. Try calling them on the phone. Numerous suppliers feature toll-free, round-the-clock 1-800 numbers.
• To get the attention of an insurance adjuster in a total loss, some people even paint their address and insurance company's name on the house.
• Make reasonable efforts to stop further harm. For instance, cover damaged roofs with tarps and seal holes with plywood, plastic, or other materials.
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