Nature's most potent and destructive forces take the form of hurricanes. These massive weather events are capable of causing 10,000 or 10 million times more damage than any other kind of natural disaster. They can obliterate communities, wreck infrastructure, and trash ecosystems. A warming world is an unstable world, infusing weather events with more energy, moisture, and heat. This basic physical reality—hurricanes get more intense as the world warms. Being prepared can make the difference between life and death, not to mention the preservation of property.
Comprehending the nature of hurricanes is fundamental to understanding the preparations necessary to protect life and property. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes from minimal to catastrophic damages (that is, Categories 1 to 5), is a good place to start. The scale is deceptively simple, with clear and basic descriptors for each category. However, weighing the scale and its descriptors against the true nature of hurricanes can lead to some very poor comprehensions, resulting in inadequate preparations.
### Developing a Hurricane Family Plan
The most crucial aspect of being ready for a hurricane is having a family plan. This plan details a series of actions that should be taken before, during, and after a hurricane. The components of this plan are pretty straightforward. The first part deals with **evacuation** and **communication** tactics. Families should have multiple routes to safe locations mapped out and should have practiced these routes. The second crucial part of the plan is a **regrouping** location. Families should choose a safe spot and a second safe spot. After a hurricane, they should head to the first safe spot. If it's not notoriously unsafe after the storm, they should head to the second safe spot. Part of the plan that's sometimes overlooked is pet care. If you're going to have a pet, you need to include them in your hurricane planning.
### An Emergency Kit Is Essential for Hurricane Preparedness
Water is the most crucial element within the kit. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. This is vital for both drinking and sanitation. The next most important consideration is food. It should be the sort that requires no cooking or special preparation, other than possibly opening a can. Foods like the following can sit for long periods of time and still be good when you need them. After food and water, the next most important concern is light and power. Hurricanes are notorious blasters of wind and rain, and many people can expect to go without electricity for some time after the storm has passed. A power company will have a lot of lines to clear and a lot of customers to re-energize before they're done. Indeed, there's a good chance that if your place is in darkness, some other places in your town or area are too. Flashlights and batteries are also needed, candles will work as well for lighting at night.
### Keeping Updated
As a hurricane approaches, it is critical to remain knowledgeable. The most accurate information comes from your local news and weather teams. Follow them closely to ascertain not only where the storm is headed but also how strong it is and, perhaps most importantly, how strong it is expected to be when it reaches your area. You also can (and should) use the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, as a resource. NOAA is a federal agency that delivers a wealth of real-time information about storms and other weather events to the public.
### Ready Your Residence
Making your residence secure is an essential element of hurricane readiness. Here are some measures to impose: 1. **Fortifying Windows and Doors**: The best way to keep wind and rain from coming through your windows and doors is to install storm shutters. If you can't find shutters or don't have the budget to buy them, you can board up your windows with plywood. You can also reinforce your doors and garage door, which are prime weak points in any home's structure. 2. **Yard Work**: If you have any kind of outdoor furniture or decorations, bring them inside. If you can't, at least make sure they're secured somehow. Also, trim trees and shrubs in your yard. This is not just for hurricane preparedness; it's a good idea to do any time of year. 3. **Flood Insurance**: If you live in a place that floods, make sure you have the very best flood insurance you can get. You should also consider purchasing sandbags and using them to create a moat around your house. 4. **Back-Up Power**: If you rely on any kind of electric medical equipment to stay alive, first check with your doctor to see what he or she recommends you do. Then look into buying a generator or some other power supply.
### Recovery After the Storm
When the hurricane is over, the recovery process starts. It is imperative to stay up-to-date on the latest local information and abide by the directives from authorities. Consider doing the following: 1. **Evaluate the Aftermath**: Check your property for damage. If you see downed power lines or if your home looks dangerous to enter, do not go inside. 2. **Take Care of Business**: Make sure to document any damages with photographs for your insurance claims. That will be important for your recovery. 3. **Safety First**: Local authorities will tell you if it is safe to return home and what routes to take. Obey any local advisories about food and water safety. 4. **Charge It**: If you are in need of help, many local organizations are set up to assist hurricane victims. Reach out to them. They are there for you.
#### Final Thoughts
Being ready for a hurricane involves many different activities. Planning is of prime importance, and it has several vital aspects. You need to be aware of the risks, not just of hurricanes but of related events like storm surges, floods, and tornadoes. You need to create a plan that sets out what all family members must do before, during, and after disaster strikes. You need to procure a supply of necessary items and, most important, procure them in a way that allows you to get them at a time when other people are not trying to get the same items.