A depressing byproduct of global climate change is more powerful hurricanes—four of the six strongest hurricanes on record have occurred since 2005, and Hurricane Melissa, which tore through Jamaica yesterday as category 5 storm, may become number five.
First, get out of the hurricane’s path. The safest place to be when a hurricane approaches is somewhere else; so you should definitely evacuate when you are told to. Hurricanes are not entirely predictable but they're slow enough that evacuation is usually possible. Don’t be prideful; track storms early and get out of Dodge if you’re in danger. (Information on how to track hurricanes is below.)
Stay inside your home. If you haven’t evacuated (whether because you’re stubborn or “shelter in place” orders have been given), stay inside. Hurricanes are powerful, fascinating storms, but resist the urge to go outside and experience them or to try to batten down the hatches once the storm is upon you. It’s too late. Save yourself, not your lawn furniture.
Go to a small, interior room: The safest part of your house is the middle. You’re trying to avoid the shards of flying glass when your windows are blown in, so an interior room with no windows is your best bet. It could be a hallway, a bathroom, a pantry, etc. Wherever you hunker down, make sure there are no heavy objects above you that could fall.
Stay in your house even longer: Be patient, and do not be fooled if there is a lull in the storm. You could be in the eye of the hurricane, and the high winds might pick up again. Listen to your radio and wait for local officials to indicate it’s OK to go outside.
Know how emergency alerts for hurricanes work
Make sure your phone and backup burner phone are set up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) from FEMA through the Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS). These are free 90-character texts that local authorities can send to mobile devices within range of any cell towers in an affected area. There’s no need to sign up; just make sure your phones are updated and charged.
For more hurricane information, opt in to local public alert systems
Next, do a search for your jurisdiction’s opt-in public alert system. Click here and enter your town, city, or county name + "emergency alerts” to see how you can sign up. It’s not a bad idea to check with your local emergency management or public safety office either. You can also receive alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service with a NOAA Weather Radio. Do your best to make sure everyone in the family is able to get warnings and alerts—not just you.
Midland WR400 Deluxe Noaa Emergency Weather Alert Radio $74.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $74.99 at Amazon Emgykit MD319 NOAA Weather Alert Radio with S.A.M.E Localized Programming, 23 County Codes & 80+ Emergency Alerts, Battery Backup, Alarm Clock, External Antenna and Warning Light for Home & Emergency $37.71 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.28 Get Deal Get Deal $37.71 at Amazon $49.99 Save $12.28 Raynic Emergency Radio, 5000mAh/18500mWh Weather Radio, Solar Hand Crank Radio with AM/FM/SW/NOAA Alert, Cell Phone Charger, Headphone Jack, Flashlight and SOS Siren $35.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $4.00 Get Deal Get Deal $35.99 at Amazon $39.99 Save $4.00 SEE 0 MOREHurricane advisory: The National Weather Service (NWS) issues this when they expect a storm to cause significant inconveniences that may be hazardous, but not life-threatening.
Hurricane warning: The NWS issues this when it expects a hurricane within the next 36 hours. Do everything listed in the “Watch” section, then prepare to evacuate if told to do so.
How to prepare for hurricane evacuation
Have an evacuation plan: Either learn your community’s evacuation plan or develop one of your own using suggested routes via your state’s Department of Transportation or Office of Emergency Management websites.
Prepare your vehicle: Fill up your gas tank, load up your car with basic emergency supplies, and make sure it’s ready to roll out.
Leave no one behind: Make sure your evacuation plan accounts for everyone in your household, including pets.
DO NOT tape your windows in hopes of protecting them. It isn’t very effective and this method can actually create larger, more dangerous shards of glass if they break.
How to prepare your yard for a hurricane
Last, get your home and property ready for potential flooding. Clean debris out of your gutters and drains, elevate your heating system, water heater, and electric panel, and don’t keep any easily-damaged valuables in the basement or in low areas.
What to do after a hurricane
Stay out of floodwater: Don’t walk or drive on a flooded street. Never enter floodwaters—even shallow water can hide electrical hazards and could be rife with dangerous chemicals, human and animal waste, and possibly deadly pathogens.
Beware of downed power lines: Powerful winds can knock over power lines and power lines can electrocute you.
Make sure your food and water are not contaminated: Throw away food and beverages that have had any contact with floodwater, or smells or looks suspicious.
Follow directions of civic authorities: Listen to emergency broadcast radio and be ready to follow the directives of authorities.
Hence then, the article about how to stay safe before during and after a hurricane was published today ( ) and is available on Live Hacker ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After a Hurricane )
Also on site :