While forecasting methods and tools are improving year after year, people are still at great risk to tropical storms and hurricanes because they continue to build along the coastline. That is one reason for this particular web site so that people can obtain a basic understanding of hurricanes and tropical storms. The other is to provide helpful information that will help communities and their residents to prepare for these storms. The following is a list of helpful hints that you can use before hurricane season, when a watch or warning is issued, before, during, and after a tropical storm, or hurricane strikes your area.
Pre-Season Preparation:
Enter the season prepared.
Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.
When a watch or warning is ussed:
Leave low lying areas.
Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
Secure outside objects.
Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
If called to evacuate, do so immediately.
Before the Storm:
Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
Have plenty of food and water.
Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
Have a secure room available.
During the Storm:
Stay in Secure Room.
Stay away from windows.
Do not use the phone, or candles.
Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
Have supplies on hand.
Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.
After the Storm:
Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
Use stored water and food.
Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.
If Traveling:
1. Know before you go... Check a reliable source to determine exactly when the hurricane season starts and ends for a chosen destination, not forgetting that weather is unpredictable and out of season hurricanes do happen. Where possible you may want to avoid this period.
2. Keep an eye on the sky... If you are on holiday in a hurricane prone area make sure that you regularly check local weather reports or ask at the concierge / hotel management for an update on the weather situation.
3. Dont get left behind... Where a hurricane is predicted that will hit with sufficient force to cause structural damage or loss of life it is quite likely that evacuations may be ordered by the local authorities. This can happen as far away as 72 hours before the hurricanes hits so ensure that the hotel management knows where you are and how to connect you should this be necessary.
4. Stay safe... Your hotel should be structurally sound and in most cases offer sufficient protection in the wvwnt of a hurricane. However it is always advisable to ask the hotel management whether it is designed to withstand the forces generated by the hurricane. Going outside during a hurricane is not advised as high winds and flooding can be a serious hazard. When inside your hotel avoid the weak points such as exposed glazing or low lying areas prone to flooding.
5. Avoid the aftermath... When travelling to an area recovering from a hurricane it is advisable to check what the situation is prior to travelling. Make sure that you can get to the hotel safely and that they are ready for guests.
HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS:
ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS-USA
