How to Survive Hurricanes, Hurricane Safety Tips, Preparation

WHAT IS A HURRICANE?
Hurricanes are large, swirling storms. They produce winds of 119 kilometers per hour (74 mph) or higher. That's faster than a cheetah, the fastest animal on land. Winds from a hurricane can damage buildings and trees.
Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters. Sometimes they strike land. When a hurricane reaches land, it pushes a wall of ocean water ashore. This wall of water is called a storm surge. Heavy rain and storm surge from a hurricane can cause flooding.
Once a hurricane forms, weather forecasters predict its path. They also predict how strong it will get. This information helps people get ready for the storm.

There are five types, or categories, of hurricanes. The scale of categories is called the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. The categories are based on wind speed.

Category 1: Winds 119-153 km/hr (74-95 mph) - faster than a cheetah
Category 2: Winds 154-177 km/hr (96-110 mph) - as fast or faster than a baseball pitcher's fastball
Category 3: Winds 178-208 km/hr (111-129 mph) - similar, or close, to the serving speed of many professional tennis players
Category 4: Winds 209-251 km/hr (130-156 mph) - faster than the world's fastest rollercoaster
Category 5: Winds more than 252 km/hr (157 mph) - similar, or close, to the speed of some high-speed trains

FEMA SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR HURRICANES

Before a Hurricane
1.Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with ⅝” marine plywood—cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
2.Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
3.Trim trees and shrubs around your home to minimize the risk of broken branches and debris.
4.Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent misdirected flooding.
5.Determine how and where to secure your boat.
6.Fully fuel your vehicles.
7.Consider building a safe room.
8.Keep articles in your basement elevated to avoid damage from even minor flooding.
9.Think about what you might need if you are isolated for a number of days and must  endure a power outage.
10.Keep a well-stocked Emergency Survival Kit make sure you have 2-3 water filter straws in your KIT in case of the worst situation that the hurricane lingers longer than expected and you are running out of all food supply and clean water. If your don’t have you can get them easily from Amazon. They hydrate your body and keep you alive before food  supply comes.

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:
1.Stay informed by monitoring the storm via radio, TV, and internet.
2.Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors. Objects such as lawn furniture, trash barrels, hanging plants, toys, and even awnings can be broken and picked up by strong winds and potentially become a projectile.
3.Turn off utilities if instructed by authorities to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
4.Turn off propane tanks.
5.Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
6.Have a certain amount of cash available. If power is lost, ATMs may not be working.
7.Moor your boat if time permits.
8.Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets.                                    9.Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
10.Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
11.Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm—winds will pick up again.
12.Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
13.Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object. 
14.Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:
1.If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
2.If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes—no matter how well fastened to the ground.

3.If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
4.If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
5.If you feel that you are in danger.



SOURCE: NASA&FEMA&FAMER'SALMANAC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9 kinds of outdoor injuries you need to be aware of

Image
To properly introduce someone to the outdoors you must make their experience as positive as possible. And while precaution is the best treatment for common hiking injuries, sometimes a blister or twisted ankle is inevitable. And when you bust out that first aid kit to resolve any discomforts, the most important thing you can pack with you is the knowledge of how to use your supplies and properly alleviate any ailments you may encounter. So here’s what you need to know to be prepared for you next hiking expedition: SUN BURN When you spend 100% of your time outside, a little sun exposure is bound to happen. The best way to prevent uncomfortable sun burns that cause you to toss and turn all night is by wearing long sleeves and pants and applying the appropriate sunscreen every few hours. But hey, sometimes long sleeves and pants don’t fit your outdoor lifestyle, and with the fun that you’re having, it can be hard to remember to reapply your sunscreen when needed. For whe
Read more

The 7 Most Efficient Shelters for Survival

Image
How Important is a Shelter in a Survival Situation? A shelter can protect you from the sun, insects, wind, rain, snow, hot or cold temperatures, and undesirable observation from others. It can give you a feeling of well-being and help you maintain your will to survive. In some areas, your need for shelter may take precedence over your need for food and possibly even your need for water. For example, prolonged exposure to cold can cause excessive fatigue and weakness (exhaustion) in a very short time.  If in doubt about the importance of shelter, remember the “Rule of Threes”: You can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food, and in extreme, harsh environments – only 3 hours without shelter. Selecting the  Site When you are in a survival situation and realize that shelter is a high priority, start looking for shelter as soon as possible. As you do so, remember what you will need at the site. Avoid: 1. Flash flood areas in foothills. 2.
Read more

How to get the best wilderness survival food without risking your survival chance

Image
The survivor must remember that the three essentials of survival-- water , food and shelter . After water , man's most urgent requirement is food. Though humans can survive for up to three weeks without food, we probably wouldn't choose to go that long. Because food is not just for the maintaining body function but also for a good mental and emotional state. Most natural environments are filled with a variety of items that can meet our nutritional needs. Common and Abundant Plant Food Sources in North America: Cattails Cattails are known as the “supermarket of the swamp”, as no matter which season it is, there are always edible parts available on the cattail plant. The roots, shoots, and pollen heads can be eaten. Conifers: The inner bark of conifers, known as the cambium layer, is full of sugars, starches and calories. It can be eaten on most evergreen, cone-bearing trees [except for the yew, identified by its red berries, in which all parts are poisonous]
Read more