According to a study done by Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, there is a 30% climatological probability that Louisiana will be hit by hurricanes this year, and a 12% probability that it will be hit by major hurricanes. With the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1, 2016 – November 30, 2016) fast approaching, it is best to always be prepared and keep yourself armed with the knowledge on what to do if a hurricane hits your area.
6 Things to You Need to Do to Prepare for a Hurricane
In order to prevent extensive loss during a hurricane, you need to have a safety plan in advance and in place. Disaster preparedness is key to surviving through a hurricane. You need to be prepared while the skies are still blue, instead of preparing while mere hours away from the hurricane’s expected landfall in your area.
Here are some of the things you need to do in order to keep your family and loved ones safe during hurricane season:
- Be informed. Keep yourself informed about the latest updates on the hurricane at all times. Know the meaning behind the watches and warnings being issued by the National Weather Service. Check if your place is at risk for storm surges and flooding.
- Keep a contact list on hand. Store it in a place that is easily accessible. Some of the contact numbers you need to have are the emergency management offices, police, local fire and rescue team, Red Cross, and local hospitals. Also include the contact number of your insurance agent and insurance company in case you need to file a report or a claim after the storm has passed.
- Make an emergency plan. If you have been ordered to evacuate your home, know where to go. You should know the evacuation route to take, as well as where you will be staying to take refuge. If you know in advance that your family will not be in one place once the hurricane lands, know how to get in touch with each family member in case phone lines and the internet are not working.
- Prepare a supply kit. Make sure you have at least 5 gallons of water for each person and a week’s supply of food that will not spoil right away. Pre-packaged meals, high-energy bars, and canned food are the best for this situation. And don’t you forget to store food for your pet, too! Stock up on your prescription medicines, and non-prescription ones (pain relievers, decongestant, antihistamine tablets, cough medicine, stomach remedies). You also need to have flashlights, a battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, can opener, and a first-aid kit on standby. Also include sleeping bags and water purification tablets in your list.
- Home preparations. Have a supply of plywood on hand and use them as storm shutters when boarding up windows and sliding glass doors. Make sure that your car has a full tank and your generator has enough gas to survive for a week. Check the yard and bring indoors any yard tools, equipment, potted plants, and other objects that could easily be tossed around by the wind. Clean up your roof gutters and downspouts to prevent flooding and water damage. To prevent debris from falling in your yard, make sure to keep shrubberies trimmed, and that any trees or branches that are in danger of falling have been secured. In this regard, Fischer Environmental can help you in making your lawn and landscape prepared for a hurricane.
- Stay tuned to emergency alerts. Aside from knowing when the hurricane is expected to come, you also need to make sure you are receiving alerts about any emergencies from your local government. Always check if your place is part of an evacuation area. Heed the call and immediately evacuate if you are ordered to do so.
No comments:
Post a Comment