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Hurricane Preparedness and Planning is Essential this Season
(Grand Rapids, MI) Did you know that hurricane winds vary from a Category One at 74 miles per hour to 155 miles per hour in a Category Five? Strong winds uproot trees, down power lines and cause tremendous damage to homes.
If you live in an area with the potential for hurricanes and tropical storms, do you have an emergency plan in place and a disaster kit ready?
There are five stages of hurricane development. When a storm does become a hurricane, it can happen at a quick, intense pace. Hurricane season runs from June through November beginning with organized low pressure systems forming over tropical waters:
Tropical Wave - a low-pressure trough moving generally westward in the trade winds.
Tropical Disturbance - an organized area of showers and thunderstorms. Typically, they maintain their identity at least 24 hours and are accompanied by heavy rains and gusty winds.
Tropical Depression - an organized area of tropical low pressure in which sustained winds are 38 miles per hour or less.
Tropical Storm - a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained wind speeds that range from 39 to 73 miles per hour.
Hurricane - a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour.
The Warning Signs
There are four key alerts issued by the National Weather Service when a tropical storm is escalating to warn those living in affected areas.
Tropical Storm Watch - tropical storm conditions with sustained winds from 39 to 73 miles per hour are possible in your area within the next 36 hours.
Tropical Storm Warning - tropical storm conditions are expected in your area within the next 24 hours.
Hurricane Watch - hurricane conditions (sustained winds greater than 74 miles per hour) are possible in your area within 36 hours.
Hurricane Warning - hurricane conditions are expected in your area in 24 hours or less.
If you live in a coastal area, you should be aware of two other alerts. The Coastal Flood Watch lets people know that the possibility exists for land areas to be inundated with water within the next 12 to 36 hours. A Coastal Flood Warning indicates that land areas are expected to become or have already been inundated with water above the typical tide.
It’s important to have access to a battery-powered radio to keep current on issued watches or warnings, especially if you live in an area prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.
The Aftermath
Just because the storm has passed does not mean that you and your family are out of danger. There are simple safety rules to follow in the aftermath of a hurricane to keep you out of harm’s way.
First, wait until municipal authorities let you know it’s safe to return to your home. Second, if you encounter flood water, don’t attempt to cross it. Eighty percent of flood deaths occur when people are in vehicles. Avoid danger by turning around or moving towards higher ground. Third, bring necessities with you like food, water and a disaster kit when you return to your home.
Beware of hazards when it’s safe to return:
- Snakes or other animals that are forced into your home by floodwaters.
- Downed power lines. Stay away from them.
- Food spoilage and an unsafe water supply. It may be awhile before you can safely drink tap water.
To check if your home has power after a hurricane, use a flashlight, not a candle. More deaths result in accidental fires than from actual natural disasters.
If your home is free of damage and has power, keep children and pets inside. If your pet needs to go outside use a leash.
When you’re assessing damage to your home, wear sturdy clothes and protective clothing. Have a professional check your water, gas, electric and sewer lines. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can to report damage.
Maintain an Emergency Plan
It’s crucial for you and your family to plan ahead for a hurricane. You can save lives and reduce the amount of time it takes to get your family to safety and eventually back to your home. Take the time to develop an emergency plan, a disaster kit and a communication plan.
Emergency Plan – Decide where you and your family will go when a hurricane watch or warning is issued, whether it be from work, school, outdoors or in the car. Update this plan every year or as schools or careers change.
A Disaster Kit – Every disaster supply kit should have a battery-operated radio, flashlight and extra batteries. Don’t include candles; they cause more accidental fires after a disaster than any other element. You must also have a minimum of three gallons of water, per person, and water for sanitation. Also include non-perishable food items, non-prescription drugs, dry clothing, bedding, a first-aid kit, family documents and tools. Be aware of special needs for infants, the elderly and pets.
A Communication Plan – Designate someone outside the area to contact in the event you are separated from your family or if your electricity is not working in your home. Also agree on a meeting point for your family if you’re separated during a disaster.
Plan several evacuation routes from your area that are not low-lying, and test them often for efficiency. In the event of a flash flood you won’t be able to evacuate, but you must seek higher ground. In areas of extreme heat, identify places where you can avoid exposure like malls, movie theaters or a friend’s home.
The key to disaster survival is advance readiness. Have all the supplies in your disaster kit in one place, check them every six months for freshness and make sure it’s readily available so you can grab it when you need it.
Foremost Insurance Company, a leading insurance provider, provides consumers with information on family and home safety during severe weather. For more information or to request a brochure contact Emily Kathi at emily.kathi@foremost.com, or call (616) 956-2164. For more safety information, visit www.foremost.com, or MyGreatHome.com.
Foremost has been in the specialty insurance business since 1952, providing insurance for mobile homes, non-standard homeowners, motor homes, travel trailers, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, boats, personal watercraft and collectible autos. Visit them on the Web at www.foremost.com.