The Best Advice in Preparing for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

Ryan Banister | Comments (3) | Reader Views (31113)

While forecasting methods and emergency procedures for tropical storm systems and hurricanes are constantly improving, there is substantial risk that still remains for those who continue to build structures along the coastline. With Hurricane Matthew causing immense destruction and loss of life across Haiti, the Bahamas and much of the eastern U.S. Coastline, reaching as far as North Carolina, it is of great importance to learn when and how to be prepared for this kind of disaster. Matthew claimed 44 lives in the US, according to ABC News, and vast amounts of flooding was seen across 4 states, with over a thousand houses submerged in water in the days following the Hurricane’s end on October 9. Having a plan for the next hurricane or tropical storm can be the difference between life and death.

Pre-Season Preparations are Ideal

There are a number of pre-season preparations that you will want to take into account long before any storm arises. It is imperative that you know all available evacuation routes in your area. The main roads and highways will likely suffer delays due to heavy traffic flow, so you will want to plan multiple alternative routes in order to ensure that you are not trapped in a flood while attempting to flee the storm. Prepare multiple first aid kits in your house and vehicle. You will want to keep at least a 3-day supply of water, amounting to 1 gallon per person per day and a 3 day supply of non-perishable food that does not require cooking. Seeds, such as flax seeds or hemp seeds, can provide worthwhile nutrition and are easy to store. Of course, you should pack at least a 3 day supply of any medication that may be required for those in your household. Also, make sure to have a NOAA-enabled radio to receive emergency broadcasts and multiple flashlights with extra batteries for each device. You will likely want to fit storm shutters to your house to mitigate damage as the storm passes.

When a warning is issued, it is important to keep in mind the nuances of the region in which you live. Low lying areas nearest the coast are particularly susceptible to flooding. For instance, New Orleans sits 8 feet below sea level and was almost completely flooded in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina struck. The nearly 1,500 lives claimed by Hurricane Katrina could have possibly been saved by immediate evacuation.

Make sure to secure outside objects and cover windows with plywood, if they are not already covered by storm shutters, in order to  protect those inside from broken glass and other objects that may be thrust toward the house. Evacuation may not always be necessary, but make sure to listen for a call for evacuation on the radio or otherwise, and be prepared to take your supplies with you.

It is important to establish a secure room in your house to which you will retreat when there is no time for evacuation. A basement room or a room with few windows, nearest the center of your home, would be the best option for a secure space. This room would be the best place to keep your supplies should you be trapped for any extended period of time. If you have a need for light, flashlights should be used instead of candles, because a lit flame could possibly cause a fire if a gas leak is caused in the destruction left by the storm. While you wait for the storm to clear, monitor your radio for updates on the storm’s location. When the warnings stop and the storm appears to have gone, proceed with caution. Make sure that the storm has completely passed before leaving your house.

This article was published at Ready Nutrition on Oct 19, 2016

3 thoughts on “The Best Advice in Preparing for Hurricanes and Tropical Storms”

  1. Have you ever lived through a hurricane? Having personnally lived through David (79) Andrew (92) and the 2004 season your suggestions fall far short.
    At least a week MINIMUM of food and water (7 days) for each person. Remembering that in warmer weather (summer in Florida weather) 2 gallons of water a day is neccessary to maintain hydration. And that does not even count bathing or sanitation needs.
    As far as seeds for nutrition….it’s an emergency situation, cans of spagettio’s or raviolli or something similar 10 for $10.00 at Winn Dixie will get you through.
    Batterys. A shit ton of batterys. An inverter with an extra car battery will keep a refridgerator running for a week. If there is a way to fill a 30-50 gal container with water before hand do so. Then use a submersible pump powered by that same car battery with a hose and nozzle to shower.
    Top of ALL gas tanks, vehicles and spare cans. Also have hand tools (saws, axes) for use when that gas runs out for your super cool chainsaw.
    And tarps, extra tarps either to cover damage to the building or in worse case to make shelter.
    A bike or two would be handy as well.

    1. Famulus Indignus

      Good suggestions, except I don’t know how far you’ll get running on spaghettios or ravioli loaded with sodium and preservatives. Better to have real food that provides nutrition like OMEGA-3s…

  2. Wew have lived on the gulf coast since 1975. We are prepared for much worse than a hurricane. We keep 500 gallons of fresh water in our cistern. We keep 4-55 gallon drums at our down spouts off of our 2 storage buildings. Our downspouts off of our home also can be diverted to our cistern. Plus we keep 40 gallons of canned water. We have 5 years worth of freeze dried dehydrated food. Numerous energy sources to cook it. Several methods of communication devices. Medical supplies, prescription medicines also. Including antibiotics. Security methods/equipment. Solar Rechargeable batteries and flashlights. Garden and 5 years worth of seeds to replant. Sleeping bags,tents, and so much other. Hand tools chain saws,etc. Plus we have used the FEMA web sight to learn how to reinforce our home. Lot of good stuff from their and other places we have learned.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top