Responding to Hurricanes – A Quick Guide

Hurricanes are catastrophic occurrences that can wreak widespread havoc. The damage done can intensify drastically if these coastal phenomena are accompanied by strong air currents, torrential downpours, inundations and mass displacements of soil, debris and rock. In the USA, the frequency of these phenomena peak between the months of June and November along the eastern coast. Along the western coast, hurricane frequency intensifies between the months of May and November, a slightly longer season.

 The moment you receive an official warning, get to a safe place and hide!

• Look at the best possible options to safeguard yourself and your family, especially from strong air currents and inundations
  • Vacate, if imperative
  • Look for an official storm shelter in the case of strong winds
• Keep a constant tab on emergency notifications and warning signals

 Brace Yourself!

• Understand your locations’ inherent vulnerabilities to hurricanes
• Make sure you have subscribed to the local warning system in your locality
• Tune in for high alert notifications from Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio
• Keep an eye out for heavy rain. They usually are a precursor for flash floods
• Take refuge in a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. Identify how quickly you can there. Alternatively, see if you can access a small, compact, robust enclosure that is invulnerable to deluges
• Make your own preparations for safety, wherever possible. Don’t depend entirely on the state to come to your rescue
• Make note of the exact location of safety zones, escape routes and alternatives in your area
• Stock up on essentials such as food, water, fuel, batteries, first aid and other emergency supplies for at least three days
• Protect your electronic equipment separately in good quality sealable plastic bags
• Keep a battery powered radio handy
• Safeguard important documents, cash notes and certificates
• Fortify your home. Keep sewage channels clog free
• Get yourself insured

 36 hours for Landslide

• Stay tuned to TV or radio for the latest developments and instructions
• Double check your emergency supplies and make sure you haven’t missed out on anything
• Look at how you can communicate with near and dear ones – cell phones, fixed lines, email, SMS and social media
• Plan out evacuation and exit exercises with your family.
• Make sure your car is well serviced, fully functional and has at least a half full tank
• NFIP policies give you an insurance cover of up to $1000 for sandbags and water pumps. Carefully maintain all relevant bills and documentation

 18-36 hours from landslide

• Maintain a list of all official web pages for easy access to the latest info and guidance
• Transfer indoors all objects that can get airborne during strong winds and cause damage, such as light furniture, cans etc.
• Fortify windows with storm shutters

 6-18 hours from landslide

• Check TV and radio for updates every 20 minutes
• Charge your cell phone for a full battery as a backup against power outages

 6 hours from landslide

• If vacating your premises is not advisable, stay safe indoors, alert all your emergency contacts and share your location
• Secure all storm shutters. Avoid windows and other openings
• Keep your fridge at its coldest temperature to preserve food. Keep a thermometer handy to check food temperature
• Check for the latest updates every twenty minutes on TV and radio

 The Hurricane is here!!

• Vacate premises as soon as you’re told to do so. Avoid barricades
• If you’re stuck in a building and there is an onslaught of flood waters, get to the topmost floor of the structure. Avoid closed attics
• Constantly keep tab on the latest warnings and updates
• Never use generators indoors. If located outside, use only if they are situated at a fair distance from all windows on the premises
• Avoid making your way through flood waters
• Avoid bridges

 Post Hurricane Suggestions

• Pay heed to official agencies and government organizations
• Exercise caution while cleaning. Use protective gear and seek assistance. Never perform this activity alone
• Steer clear of electrical equipment
• Do not tread through flood waters. They could be electrically charged by disrupted power lines in the area
• It is advisable to archive asset damage with visual references (such as photos)

 Technology

• A number of apps are available for alerts, safety suggestions, weather updates and much more, in real time
  • FEMA – official notifications, location of shelters
  • Nextdoor – connect with people nearby through geo-location
  • American Red Cross – first aid dos and don’ts
  • National Weather Service – Recent most updates
• Important Hash tags on Twitter – #HurricanePrep, #ItOnlyTakesOne, #HurricaneStrong