Hurricane season starts June 1st every year here in Florida, and as many people know 2004 was a record year. Hurricanes are VERY REAL and we are fortunate enough to have technology in place to give us enough warning to take protective measures, yet so many people are so complacent even after seeing disaster strike three times over.
Here are some common sense tips that are forgotten time and again:
- When a hurricane watch is issued, stock up on enough drinking water to last for at least a week. (About a gallon a day per person).
- Be sure to have freezers and refrigerators at the coldest possible setting and keep closed unless absolutely necessary.
- Fuel up your vehicle (s).
- Make sure to have flashlights and batteries ready.
- Stock up on enough canned or ready to eat foods.
- If you are on medication, stock up now.
- If you have a generator, make sure it works. (Check oil, fuel, ect.)
- Be sure all cell phones you may have are charged or have extra batteries.
- Make preparations for your pets. (Food, water, shelter, ect.)
- Have all first aid kits and fire extinguishers in operable condition.
The above tips are only some of the many things that people wait until the last minute to put into action. Fact is, if you wait until a hurricane WARNING is issued, it will most likely be too late, because quite often the supplies you need will be either short, or gone. But you see it every year. If a hurricane WARNING is issued, time best spent will be securing your home, and if need be, making evacuation preparations.
The following is included in the forgotten safety measures.
Before the storm, secure anything which may become an airborne projectile (trash cans, lawn furniture, hanging plants, ect.). Cover your windows with storm shutters, awnings, or plywood. NOTE: Using tape on your windows DOES NOT protect them. This is a myth.
Make sure you have a planned safe place, and escape plan if you need to use it. Also have a planned meeting place in the event you are separated from your family. Have a RELIABLE battery operated radio ready to go to keep advised of what is happening.
Fill your bathtub with clean water to use for washing and flushing your toilet. If you have other containers, such as a CLEAN 55 gallon plastic drum, fill it with water also.
Make sure if you have a generator, to put it in a place where you can get to it after the storm. DO NOT RUN YOU GENERATOR INDOORS FOR ANY REASON. (Every storm people die doing this).
Have flashlights and batteries where you can get to them at all times. DO NOT use candles. Also when storing batteries, keep them in a dry place, away from anything that may spill onto them.(There was one instance of a fire started from peroxide from the first aid kit spilling on the batteries, causing them to explode).
After the Storm: It is quite likely you will be without power, and also very likely there may be downed lines. This is NOT a time to go exploring. If you go outside, be ware of any water, because a downed line can still send a fatal dose of electricity through it. Bottom line here; wait for authorities to give some sort of "all clear sign."
When you are outside, be sure to have plenty of insect repellent on hand because mosquitoes love standing water, and they will be out in full force.
If you have the luxury of having a generator, NEVER attempt to hook it up to your household electrical system. This poses a danger to you AND the linemen that may be doing repairs in your area. Face it: Electricity is a luxury, and being without it is an inconvenience. Think of after the storm as kind of like camping out.
I hope this article is helpful, and hopefully the hurricanes this season will stay away.
