It's hurricane season and time to prepare. Please remember even if you do not live near the coast you can be affected. Even if you live on the west coast you can be affected. If you travel to a coastal state you can be affected. AND as you prepare for a hurricane you are also preparing for other weather disasters. When was the last time you took a good look at your weather preparations?
Advocating for emergency preparedness makes me sometimes feel like a “mom”. You know the feeling – you nag, and the kids roll their eyes, or offer polite responses – but you know they are not really listening. However, you keep trying. Let’s try one more time.
Hurricane season is here and here with a vengeance. I had planned a completely different article for this week, but it looks as though this may be the worst hurricane season in decades, so let’s get a jump on preparing. You may feel you don’t need to prepare because you don’t live in an area where hurricanes make landfall. Think again.
Hurricane Beryl went tearing through the Caribbean as a CAT 5 hurricane and then through Mexico as a CAT 3 and then on to Texas as a CAT 1 but that was not the end. Beryl continued to wreak havoc as far away as the Great Lakes and upstate New York where it spawned more than 18 hurricanes. That still isn’t the only reason to prepare. Do you ever vacation near a coast? We know several people trapped in Galveston and in Mexico for days enduring Hurricane Beryl and for days after because transportation out of the area was impossible. In addition, power was down for more than 2.8 million customers some hundreds of miles from landfall, with temperatures hovering around 100 degrees.
Today let’s consider the basics. Fortunately, it is now possible to predict hurricanes and typhoons fairly accurately. Yes, typhoons are hurricanes occurring in the South Pacific region. As you listen to weather forecasts, this is what you need to understand.
Category 1: 74-95 mph winds
Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes may have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Falling debris could strike people, livestock and pets, and older mobile homes could be destroyed. Protected glass windows will generally make it through without major damage. Large branches of trees will snap, and shallow rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Category 2: 96-110 mph winds
Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes likely will sustain major roof and siding damage. bigger risk of injury or death to people, livestock and pets from flying debris. Mobile homes will likely be destroyed. Many shallow rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Category 3: 111-129 mph
Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Flying debris will be extremely dangerous and could be lethal. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Category 4: 130-156 mph
Catastrophic damage will occur. Well-built framed homes will sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. At these speeds, falling and flying debris pose a very high risk of injury or death. Most mobile homes destroyed. Some frame homes may totally collapse. Apartment buildings can experience damage to upper floors. A Category 4 hurricane will blow out most windows on high-rise buildings and down power lines. Power outages can last for weeks or even months after storms of this level. Water shortages are also common in the aftermath of Category 4 hurricanes, potentially making the affected area uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Category 5: 157 mph or higher
Catastrophic damage will occur. A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. People, livestock and pets can be in danger from flying debris, even indoors. People and animals will not be able to stand outdoors. Commercial buildings with wood roofs will experience severe damage, metal buildings may collapse and high-rise windows will nearly all be blown out. A Category 5 hurricane is likely to uproot most trees and ruin most power poles. People should expect long-term water shortages. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Because hurricanes and typhoons happen in the hot summer months and there are always power outages even with the most “mild” hurricanes, it is important to know the signs of heat related illness:
Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms due to heavy exertion and dehydration. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is in trouble.
Heat Exhaustion: Someone suffering from heat exhaustion will have cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; sweat heavily; have a headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and general exhaustion. Body temperature may be normal or may be rising.
Heat stroke: Someone suffering from heat stroke will have hot, red skin; lapse of consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Their body temperature can be very high, as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. If any of these symptoms are present, call your doctor or hospital for treatment instructions. If you have any doubt, call for help.
Treat Immediately:
Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have them rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can cause further dehydration, making conditions worse.
Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. Cool them down as quickly as possible. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool (not cold), wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool (not cold) water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give them aspirin or other medications. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in their condition.
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the patient to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool (not cold) bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Place victim in front of an open window or fan. Never leave a patient alone. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
Know the Signs for Pets
Pet owners need to recognize the symptoms of heat stress in animals. Watch for heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation and vomiting.
Treatment: Until you can get medical help, move the animal into a cool area, apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth or cold towels to the head, neck and chest or immerse the animal in cool water. Get the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Now, let’s talk preparations.
Concrete safe rooms can be expensive to add to an existing home. Nothing will protect you completely or under all circumstances, but your chances for survival are greatly improved if you have a well-equipped safe haven, an area most likely to survive the storm and help you survive.
Begin by choosing an area in the center of the house with no windows. A bathroom or closet or an enclosed area under a staircase will work well. A basement is the best location during a hurricane but only if you are located away from a storm surge area or flood plain.
Re-enforcing the structure of your room is definitely something you should consider doing now. Remove the sheet rock and bolt the framing to the floor and ceiling, continue by adding more bracing between the studs. Adding sheets of plywood to the walls will greatly increase the safety of your haven since most injuries during a storm are caused by flying debris. While plywood is not going to completely prevent debris traveling at high speeds from penetrating your haven, it will provide greater protection than sheet rock alone.
Don’t forget to re-enforce the ceiling. Once you have attached the plywood, add sheetrock to add more protections but also to finish the wall to match the rest of the house. Be sure when adding plywood to screw, not nail the wood to secure. You will want to consult with an expert for more ideas but with the help of family and friends you should be able to make most of these changes yourself. If you have hollow core doors, replace them with solid wood or metal doors; at the very least, the door on your safe haven. Do a little research and get the door with the best wind resistance rating. Once the room is repainted, no one will notice the precautions you have taken. Safe havens are a great selling point when you are ready to move on to a new home!
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has some great information:
Before entering your safe haven:
Close all doors. Closed doors will slow down debris flying thru your home and slow down wind.
Close and lock all windows in your home. We used to believe opening a window would help in a storm. It does not. Any time you invite air into your home you increase the damage.
Lower all blinds and close all drapes. Closed blinds and drapery will help keep broken glass and debris from flying thru your home and causing injury.
Shut off the air conditioner and heater. Don’t invite outdoor air in to your home.
Stock Your Safe Room. You need protection but you will also need supplies during, and especially after, a storm.
Equip your safe room, with the following items:
Ready to eat foods, including snacks, in plastic or metal containers, not glass. Some suggestions: Peanut butter, jelly, crackers, canned cheese spreads, granola bars, canned meats, canned fruits, canned vegetables, sweetened cereals, trail mix, hard candy, lollipops.
Can opener.
Water (take care not to underestimate your needs for the time the storm is passing plus a few days after the storm while relief is on its way). Individual filtering water bottles are a great item to add as you can then drink water that is filtered and safe without storing gallons.
Food for pets.
Baby food and diapers.
Change of clothes for each family member.
Sturdy shoes.
Paper plates, cups, bowls and utensils.
Pet dishes.
Wet wipes.
Sanitation facility (porta potty with chemicals).
Toilet paper.
Feminine hygiene needs.
AM/FM Radio battery or crank operated.
Batteries (stored outside of the radio or flashlight).
Glow sticks – NO CANDLES.
Toys, books, scriptures and games.
120 hour kits for use during and after the storm has passed.
Important documents, these should already be in your 120 hour kits.
First aid kit and book.
Medication such as pain relievers and anti-diarrhea.
Personalized phone directory with local emergency numbers as well as the numbers for out of state contacts. Local lines may not be available and your only communication option may be out of state or out of the area contacts.
Fire extinguisher.
Folding shovel and ax to help you dig out.
Although most storms pass fairly quickly and you may not need all these items, they will become very valuable after the storm has passed. If your home is uninhabitable, these items will help you thrive in a shelter, hotel, when moving in with others or when cleaning up your property. Many of the items should already be in your 120-hour kits so this list should not be overwhelming.
During the storm, cover family members with the blankets and pillows in your safe room to protect them from debris. When the storm has ended, be careful when exiting your room. There may be unexpected debris as well as rodents, snakes and insects, which are not normally present. Do not exit without shoes on. Watch for downed power lines. If it is night and you are confident there are no gas leaks or danger of further collapse, wait until there is light outside before leaving the immediate area.
Be Careful. If you don’t have a safe haven do the following during a hurricane or typhoon:
Follow the instruction for before entering your safe haven (above)
Go to a small windowless room in the center of the building. A walk-in closet works well.
Stay away from windows and doorways.
If trapped by flooding, go to the highest level in your home. Do not go into the attic unless you have an ax and a way out. This is a hard decision when the water is rising, and the wind is still trying to tear the roof off. About now you will be wondering why you were so stubborn and didn’t evacuate.
Listen to your solar/battery powered radio.
Listen to your HAM radio.
One family member should stay awake at all times.
Cage animals so they don’t become frightened and hide.
Stay inside until authorities report the storm has passed. Remember the eye is calm and gives a false impression of safety.
If you live in a mobile home, evacuate to a shelter. Never ride out a hurricane in a mobile home.
Do not use electrical appliances and devices.
If the power goes off, turn off power at the main panel to avoid danger when the power is restored.
Do not light candles or matches. There are often gas leaks after a hurricane or typhoon. The leak may not be at your home but at the street or the home of a neighbor but will quickly become a hazard to your home.
Print this article and include it in your Preparedness Binder. Prepare now, storms are coming.
For all this information and over 200 pages of forms and charts filled with tips to help you prepare purchase the Totally Ready Preparedness Binder. https://www.totallyready.com/shop
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