Hurricane Planning
Preparing in advance is important for Mother Nature events such as tornadoes, snow storms, mud slides, volcano eruptions, hurricanes, and others. Growing up in tornado alley, I remember my dad’s plan when the sirens would start screeching; he would get me and my mom in the car and go to a local underground bowling alley. We would go back home when the sirens were turned off. Now residing in South Florida, my primarily preparedness focus has changed from tornadoes to hurricanes.
There are several different apps that could provide benefit. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration) and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) have apps. Also consider local and national TV and radio apps. A local TV or radio app will provide the boots on the ground data. However, if the local TV or radio station is damaged the app may not provide adequate information. This is why you should consider the national TV or radio station.
The National Hurricane Center of NOAA has developed an outline in developing preparedness for hurricanes.
Gather Information:
Do you live in an evacuation area?
Risk Assessment:
What is your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind?
Does your yard have trees?
Does your neighbor’s yard have trees?
Consider installing apps on your phone and mobile device.
NOAA and FEMA have apps.
Check for local TV and radio stations apps.
Check for weather and news apps, local and national.
Consider communication apps such as Whats App, Face Time.
Make a list of contacts. I would consider having this list on your phone, mobile device, and written on paper. If you lose power and cannot charge your electronic device, the written form will be beneficial. Here is a sample of the numbers to gather:
American Red Cross
Law Enforcement
Fire Department
Hospitals
Utilities
TV and Radio Stations
Property Insurance Agent
There are online hazard and vulnerability tools available to gather information about your risks.
Check FEMA’s map portal
Rate your flood risk with the FloodSmart.gov portal
Plan & Take Action:
Build a Supplies Kit. Please, build your supply kit early. Waiting can induce unnecessary pressure and stress in finding what you want. Act now. Visit https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit to see a list for your Basic Disaster Supplies Kit, Additional Emergency Supplies, Maintaining your Kit, and Kit Storage Locations.
Develop and document Emergency Plans. These plans will vary from person to person, from family to family based on family members.
You and your families health during this event are important. Review guidelines provided by agencies such as CDC, FDA, and EPA.
Depending on your location evacuation may be mandatory or optional. Being in a low lying area, flood zone, or high impact area, mandatory evacuation may be imposed. You should have an evacuation plan . This plan should include how you will leave, when will you leave, and where you go.
Recovery:
Before returning home, wait until your route and area is declared safe.
Recovering from Disaster is usually a gradual process.
We plan for the worst and hope for the best.
This blog was developed using reference material from the National Hurricane Center of NOAA , and Ready.gov.