September 4, 2008
A Few Hurricane Survival Tips
With three tropical storms churning up the
Even if you’ve heard these tips before, hurricanes pose a serious enough threat that they shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you have any added insights, feel free to leave a comment.
Thankfully Gustav wasn’t all it looked like it was going to be, but as several Katrina survivors said, they didn’t want to risk riding it out. That sounds like a reasonable attitude to me.
When a hurricane appears to be on its way, clear your yard of any loose material, such as tree branches and lawn furniture that might blow around. Anchor what cannot be removed. Board up windows or brace them with crisscrossed strips of heavy tape so glass won’t shatter in strong winds. (Please see reader comments for thoughts on this last recommendation.)
We’ve mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Keep flashlights, good batteries, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit, water, and essential medications on hand. Stock up on nonperishable food. Click here for reasons you should have MRE’s on hand.
During a hurricane, stay inside. A sudden calm may mean only that the eye of the storm is passing over you. Keep listening for bulletins about the storm’s progress on the radio.
Have a family emergency communication plan in case you become separated from family members. Review your family’s evacuation plan.
Click here for a few more thoughts on preparing for hurricanes and getting survival kits.
4 Comments on A Few Hurricane Survival Tips »
September 4, 2008
seth @ 9:19 pm:
taping windows does nothing, they need to be boarded up. my house has gone thru francis, jeanne, wilma and other storms.
be prepared for the electric to be out awhile, we went 9 days without, over 3 million without electric as a result of francis. Preppin is the key, be prepared.
September 5, 2008
Bellen @ 7:35 am:
I agree with Seth and so does our Emergency Preparededness Office here in SW Florida - board up your windows - tape does nothing.
Also, have CASH with you - no electricity means no ATMs, etc. Have an outside grill to cook on if you have an electric stove.
Keep tools, gloves, rope & tarps in your vehicle and somewhere handy in your home - for cleanup after the storm.
Stayed in a shelter for Charley in 2004 - now we evacuate, but with supplies and a really good plan.
Michael Hawkins @ 8:23 am:
Taping up a window doesn't protect them, they can break all the same, but at least a lot of the pieces will be stuck together which makes for easier and safer cleaning up.
Outside windows really should be boarded up and/or covered by heavy shutters, but tape is a valid option for glass panes that cannot be taped up. Such as in greenhouses, small glass elements on your front door.
Self adhesive glass laminate works great for these purposes
John @ 8:24 am:
My sincere thanks to each of you for your comments. I appreciate very much hearing from those who have been through hurricanes and can add practical perspective from experience.
John