Hurricane Season Reminder

Tweet

Share

June 1st marked the beginning of the 2012 hurricane season. Being a Coastie wife, I am always well aware of when the season starts. When we lived on the Gulf Coast, the bases would have hurricane meetings at the beginning of each season to go over what to do in case we had to evacuate. Since most people don't live on a military base, I thought I'd share a little information to help prepare yourselves for a hurricane.

I am no stranger to hurricanes. Back in 2008, we were evacuated from Grand Isle LA for hurricane Gustav, and had to stay gone through hurricane Ike as well. We were one for a little over a month. While living in Alabama, I believe we only went through one small tropical storm. Not long after moving here to the Cape, Irene struck.

This is an image of hurricane Gustav

This is the tree in our front yard last year blowing from Irene

1. If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should:

• Secure your home and close storm shutters. Don’t forget to secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
• Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed. Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency.
• Turn off propane tanks.
• Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
• Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purpose such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other larger containers with water.

2. You should evacuate:

Click the above graphic to be taken to the "Pledge to Prepare."

• If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
• If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure. Such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricane no matter how well fastened to the ground.
• If you live in a high-rise building – hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
• If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river or on an island waterway.

3. If you are unable to evacuate, go to your wind-safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

• Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
• Close all interior doors – secure and brace external doors.
• Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm, meaning winds will pick up again.
• Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level.
• Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Avoid elevators.

Information courtesy of  Coast Guard Compass 


One thing that I do want to stress is that if you have to evacuate for a hurricane, plan to be gone for at least a month. It doesn't matter if it looks like it's going to be a weak storm, or if you think it's going to miss you. BE PREPARED! The weather is going to do what it wants to do. Weathermen can predict all they want, but remember, it's a PREDICTION! Anything can happen! As the Coast Guard says, "Semper Paratus!" Always ready!

Don't forget to thank a member of our MILITARY!

Pin It