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Science
Weather
Hurricanes
Top Ten Hurricane Tips
Batten
down the hatches!
A hurricane's a comin'!
What does that mean exactly? What are the necessary steps that should be taken for hurricane preparedness?
Most
things are usually on hand but should be stocked up and easily accessible.
If it turns out the hurricane has changed its path, at least you
will have known you were ready.
If your city or town is in imminent danger of a hurricane, most
likely evacuation announcements have been made, and should be taken
seriously. Here is a checklist to consider before you leave:
1.
First, get important papers and special photos in order and
secured in plastic. Identification is difficult and time-consuming
to replace: so be sure to include social security cards, birth certificates,
high school diplomas or GED certificates, titles or deeds to property.
Photos of special occasions or loved ones cannot be replaced, so
including these is important as well.
2. Think ahead and take video or photos of your property
before you leave. This will help later on with any insurance
checklist claims for damage that may need to be filed.
3. If staying with relatives is not an option, consider
booking a room in a hotel or motel in another nearby town or
state. Make sure to get directions and put them in the car ahead
of time. It is easy to forget that piece of paper in the rush out
the door. A cheaper route might be to find temporary hurricane shelters.
Usually nearby towns not in the direct path of the hurricane will
provide these for people in need.
4.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that your pet will have a
place in a motel or hotel. Keep this in mind and try to
find alternate housing for your loved one until it is safe
to return, or check out pet-friendly
hotels in your area.
5. Designate a spot, in the hall closet, to keep
a bag of clothes for each person in the household. Make
sure to include sleeping gear if you plan on going to a temporary
shelter.
6. Along
with overnight clothes, consider stocking your Hurricane Kit with
the following: extra cash, generator, batteries, flash lights,
battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper,
non-perishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, can
opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any
over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; and if you have small
children - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.
7. Count
on the power being out for at least a day or two. Remember that
ATM's will be non-operating, so have at least some hard cash in
your Hurricane Kit (see no. 6, above) to see you through the storm.
When TV and
computer games no longer operate, board games or a deck of cards
come in handy! Arts and crafts, crayons and downloadable coloring
pages are always great distractions for the kids - so make sure
you've stored some of these supplies in a tote bag or in the car
trunk.
8. If
you decide to tough out the storm, stay downwind in your
home. This means if the wind is hitting the living room windows,
go to the room opposite the living room.
9. Plywood is a 'hot' commodity for those of who decide
to stay. Boarding up windows that will take the brunt of the
wind and rain is the wisest decision. If board is not available,
protect your windows from the wind by criss-crossing them with layers
of duct or packing tape. This will be enough protection for light-to-medium
winds, but learning how
to build and install plywood hurricane shutters is your safest
bet. If you can afford it, have them installed by a professional.
10. Finally, STAY INSIDE. However tempting it may
be to videotape or take photos of the storm, be sure to shoot from
indoors - where it's safe, and dry!
Hurricanes are serious business. Weather forecasters can only predict
so much. Educate yourself and stay on top of weather
updates in your area. There is no harm in being overly cautious.
In most cases where a hurricane is concerned, it truly is better
to be safe than sorry.
also
see -> Stay
Calm During Hurricane Season
Hurricane Cleanup & Recovery Tips
How
Do Hurricanes Get Their Names?
More
about hurricane preparedness around the Web:
How
to Build Your Own Storm Shutters
Hurricane
Weather Center
American
Red Cross Disaster Safety: Hurricanes
Community
Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane
Checklist
About the
Author
Katrina Cramer-Diaz is a working mom with a background in education
and lots of experience in keeping kids safe and healthy. She lives
in Virginia with her four children.
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