There are a variety of checklists you can get to help prepare for storms and natural disasters of various types. The key is planning, so if you live in an area that is prone to these storms, be serious about the threat they present. Here is a little information to help you think about things you might need to do.These tips can help you plan and prepare.
1. Improve your fortress. By making modifications to your home, you can better protect your home and possibly your life. These
improvements include storm shutters or boarding up your windows. And storm clips to your roof to better secure it to the house and help minimize roof damage. Keep all gutters clear to help direct water.
2. Have an evacuation plan. If instructed to do so, it is always wise to evacuate the area. Have a plan in place with your family on just
how that will play out. Over 44 million people reside in coastal areas from Texas to Maine. Explore different evacuation routes away from a potential storm as traffic could become a real issue.
3. Keep your vehicles completely fueled up. If a hurricane makes landfall, gas will often become scarce because of power issues. Make sure you have enough gas to get away from the damage if needed.
4. Bring all items inside, such as lawn furniture, barrels, tables, etc. With winds over 100 mph, these objects can become lethal when airborne.
5. Turn off all utilities, including propane if directed to do so. Prior to that, set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and don’t open the door. If power fails, your food will last longer.
6. Store sufficient amounts of non-perishable food. If the power is off for a prolonged period, the food stored in refrigeration will spoil. Canned foods work best.
7. Store enough water to last for at least a week. This includes water for sanitary purposes, such as cleaning and toilets. Fill bathtubs and
any other large containers. Companies such as WaterBob sell specific kits to help you safely and sanitarily store water in the bathtub for long periods.
8. Assemble an emergency kit. This should include a serious flashlight like SureFire or Fenix, extra batteries, an emergency hand-crank radio
such as the Eton Scorpion or Midland ER200, candles and a first-aid kit with any medications needed. Additionally, glow sticks can be a safe alternative to using candles.
9. Assemble an “after the storm” kit. It should have items such as blankets, books, games, copies of identification, hand held can openers, personal hygiene items and plastic tarps.
10. Buy a generator. One of the major problems faced after a hurricane is loss of power. If the storm is large, it can devastate the infrastructure, leading to a long period without power. Safely store fuels for the generator and keep a regular maintenance schedule for it.
11. Keep emergency gas on you. As with gas pumps, when power fails, cash will be hard to come by. ATMs will be non-functional and cash will rule the local economy.
12. Keep extra clothes for you and your family in a water-tight bag like SealLine Storm Sacks. Also include rubber boots and rain gear.
13. When the hurricane hits, stay indoors. Do not be tempted to go watch the storm. It is a very dangerous event and safety should be your first concern as it approaches.
14. Move to a basement or cellar. If this isn’t possible, then stay in the center of the house or building. Lie on the floor or under a heavy object.
15. Close all interior doors, curtains and shades. This can help control flying debris inside the building.
16. Do not leave your shelter until told to do so by emergency authorities. In many cases, the calm that is experienced is the eye of the hurricane passing over. The next section of the storm is more than likely not far behind.
17. Once the storm has passed, exit your structure carefully. Debris and damage from the storm can cause dangerous situations.
18. Be psychologically prepared to be on your own for at least a week. While rescue crews and emergency services will be scrambling to assist, it is ultimately up to you to maintain until help arrives.
19. Avoid spending too much time in the storm flood water. This will quickly become contaminated with sewage and other debris.
20. Inspect your structure for significant damage. If there is substantial damage, you should leave and make your way to a shelter. Damaged structures are prone to collapse even after the storm has passed.
(Source: Fall 2015 Survivor’s Edge magazine)
TYPHOON EMERGENCY KIT
An emergency kit can be a lifesaver in a typhoon. The damage these storms are capable of doing can leave you fending for yourself as emergency personnel struggle to stabilize large areas. The basics of a typhoon kit are:
1. Two quality flashlights. One of the best on the market is the Maglight ML300LX. Solid construction coupled with an Eco Mode setting provides durability and up to 117 hours of light.
2. Extra batteries for flashlights and any other battery-powered devices.
3. Emergency cell phone battery packs. Almost all phone manufacturers offer an external battery unit for their cell phones. Secure at least one and possibly two to help get you through prolonged power outages.
4. Duct tape. Duct tape can help you make small and temporary, if not aesthetically pleasing, repairs on the fly.
5. Non-perishable food. This can range from canned soup and ravioli to complete MRE-style meals. In addition to this food, make certain you
store a can opener as well as a general-use knife, fork and spoon. Plan on stocking at least a four-day supply of non-perishable food.
6. First-aid kit. A preassembled first-aid kit is always a good choice. It is important to keep any prescription medications in there as well. Be aware of the expiration dates and rotate them as needed.
7. Hand-crank radio. A multi-purpose radio unit, such as the Eton American Red Cross FRX3, fulfills this need nicely. It can serve as a radio as well as a charger for cell phones and a basic light.
8. Basic tools and fasteners. You may be required to manage small repairs to your home after the storm has passed. Having a good hammer and nails as well as screws and screwdrivers can help in the task.
9. Blankets, tarps, plastic and heavy cardboard will help you cover any broken windows in your home.
10. Children’s items, such as formula, diapers, and clothes.
11. Waterproof matches. Always be cautious when lighting matches, as gas lines may be loose because of the storm’s damage. It’s also important to never leave an open flame unattended.
(Source: Spring 2016 Survivor’s Edge magazine)