What to do, not to do ahead of a hurricane
While Hurricane Joaquin is forecast to avoid a direct hit along the East Coast, that doesn't mean dusting off your storm preparedness skills isn't a great idea. Anytime a major storm is close by, it's important to know what you would do should the situation deteriorate unexpectedly and rapidly.
Technically, a hurricane is a tropical cyclone that has matured from a tropical storm when its winds whip up to 74 mph or higher. As it churns close to land or makes a direct hit, hurricanes bring the hazards of wind, rain and flooding.
Knowing the different levels of these storms can help you prepare for the potential damage that awaits.
• Category 1: Winds between 74 mph and 95 mph, typically results in some damage and power outages.
• Category 2: Winds between 96 mph and 110 mph, can cause extensive damage and uproot trees, as well as cause roof damage.
• Category 3: Winds between 111 mph and 129 mph, devastating damage, with large trees toppled blocking roads and major structural damage to buildings and homes.
• Category 4: Winds between 130 mph and 156 mph, catastrophic damage with the loss of most roof structures and exterior walls. Most affected areas will be uninhabitable.
• Category 5: Winds 157 mph or greater, most homes completely destroyed and residential areas isolated; power outages last for weeks or months.
Here are some steps you can take to prepare for a storm that might be heading your way:
• Stay tuned in to weather reports not only to track the storm but in case evacuation orders are issued.
• Close all windows, drapes, blinds, curtains and storm shutters.
• Tie down or store outdoor furniture and any other items that could present dangerous blowing debris.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer thermostats to their coldest settings to preserve perishables in case of a power outage. Minimize opening their doors to keep things cold.
• Turn off all utilities if directed to do so by authorities and check that any gas lines and tanks are turned off.
• Follow official declarations and procedures, which means evacuate if you are told to do so.
• Close and lock doors.
• Bunker down in an interior room, or a basement, away from windows and doors.
• The eye of a storm can be deceptive, stay indoors until there are authoritative reports the storm has passed.
• If you must evacuate, watch out for flooding and stay off any flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
• Also be on the lookout for flying debris. This is what causes many injures and deaths during a storm.
Just as important as what to do during a hurricane is what not to do. Here are some tips:
• Don’t leave interior doors open. These can swing loose and become hazards during a storm.
• Don’t take cover in large, open rooms. Take refuge in smaller rooms in the center of a home such as a closet or hallway. The chances of wind and flying debris catching you is lessened.
• Don’t stand. When a hurricane hits, lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
• Don’t take elevators in high-rise buildings. Proceed to lower floors using the stairs.
• Don’t unnecessarily use the phone. This helps prevent logjams on telephone lines and frees up “space” for emergency calls. Text instead.
• Don’t seek refuge in weak structures such as mobile homes. Look for solid buildings to get safe.
Thomas M. Kostigen is the founder of TheClimateSurvivalist.com and a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. He is the National Geographic author of "Extreme Weather Survival Guide: Understand, Prepare, Survive, Recover" and the NG Kids book, "Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Tsunamis, Hailstorms, Thundersnow, Hurricanes and More!" Follow him @weathersurvival, or email kostigen@theclimatesurvivalist.com.
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