Prepper Scenario - Hurricanes

Over the past few months, we've discussed preparing for the natural disasters most likely to happen in your area.

Since many people I know live in hurricane-prone areas, I've written several posts about hurricanes. (Stay tuned, as we will soon cover other types of natural disasters.)

Today, we're offering a short quiz to test your knowledge of hurricane safety.

Scenario

You and your family live in a coastal area prone to hurricanes. A Category 3 hurricane has been forecasted to make landfall within the next 24 hours. Local authorities have issued evacuation orders for your area due to the potential storm surge and high winds.

Hurricane Evacuation Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1.  Evacuation Order!  What's your first move?

A.  Secure outdoor furniture and objects.

B.  Start packing your vehicle immediately.

C.  Review your family's evacuation plan and gather essential items.

D.  Wait for further instructions from local authorities.

2.  Hitting the road:  Which escape route is best?

A.  The shortest route regardless of traffic.

B.  The route suggested by your GPS navigation system.

C.  The designated evacuation route recommended by local authorities.

D.  Any major highway to move away from the coast.

3.  Pack smart!  What should be in your evacuation kit?

A.  Waterproof matches and camping gear.

B.  Food that can be eaten without cooking.  A manual can opener, if appropriate.

C.  A collection of your favorite books and games.  

D.  Spare batteries for your remote controls.

4.  Evacuation destination:  Where should you go?

A.  A nearby hotel or motel.

B.  Your workplace or school.

C.  The home of a friend or family member outside the evacuation zone.

D.  Any available shelter in the area.  

5.  Furry friends:  What about your pets during evacuation?

A.  Leave them indoors with plenty of food and water.

B.  Bring them with you.

C.  Release them outdoors to find safety on their own.

D.  Abandon them, as they can find their way to safety.

6.  Staying hydrated:  How much water should you store per person per day?

A.  1 gallon

B.  2 liters

C.  4 pints

D.  3 quarts

 7.  Full tank for the win:  Why fill your gas tank before the storm?

A.  To avoid driving during the storm.

B.  To prevent gas station shortages.

C.  To save money on gas prices.

D.  To ensure you have enough fuel for evacuation.

8.  Flooded roads:  What do you do if you encounter them?

A.  Drive faster to get through the water quickly.

B.  Turn around and find an alternate route.

C.  Continue driving slowly; most. vehicles can handle floodwaters.

D.  Exit your vehicle and walk to higher ground.  

9.  Staying informed:  How can you stay informed about hurricane updates during an evacuation?

A.  Check social media for updates from friends.

B.  Tune in to local radio or TV stations.

C.  Only rely on official government websites.

D.  Ignore updates until you reach your destination.

10. Homeward bound:  When is it safe to return home after a hurricane evacuation?

A.  As soon as the storm passes.

B.  Once local authorities announce it's safe to do so.

C.  When your neighbors return.

D.  After checking social media for updates.  

Answer Key and Why

1.  Evacuation Order! What's your first move?

2.  Hitting the road: Which escape route is best?

C. The designated evacuation route recommended by local authorities.

Reason: These routes are planned to handle high evacuation volumes and avoid congested areas, expediting your travel.)

3.  Pack smart! What should be in your evacuation kit?

B.  Food that can be eaten without cooking.  A manual can opener, if appropriate.

Reason: Food that can be eaten without cooking means you can eat if the shelter you go to doesn't have food available.  

4.  Evacuation destination: Where should you go?

C. The home of a friend or family member outside the evacuation zone.

Reason: This can be a good option if pre-arranged and provides a safe haven outside the storm's path.  A shelter should be your plan B if a pre-arranged stay isn't available.

5.  Furry friends: What about your pets during evacuation?

B. Bring them with you.

Reason: Many shelters allow pets, but check their specific policies beforehand. Leaving pets behind is dangerous and stressful for them.  Remember, if it's not safe for you it's not safe for them!

6.  Staying hydrated: How much water should you store per person per day?

A. 1 gallon.

Reason: A good baseline estimate; adjust for climate and individual needs.

7.  Full tank for the win: Why fill your gas tank before the storm?

D. To ensure you have enough fuel for evacuation and travel.

Reason: The most important reason! A full tank allows you to leave safely without worrying about running out of gas during potential gas station shortages.

8.  Flooded roads: What do you do if you encounter them?

B.  Turn around and find an alternate route.  

Reason: Never drive through floodwaters. The current can sweep your vehicle away, and floodwater can be deceptively deep.

9.  Staying informed: How can you stay informed about hurricane updates during an evacuation?

B. Tune in to local radio or TV stations.

Reason: Local stations provide the most up-to-date and relevant evacuation information for your area.

10.  Homeward bound: When is it safe to return home after a hurricane evacuation?

B. Once local authorities announce it's safe to do so.

Reason: Only return home after official clearance is given.Local authorities assess the situation and ensure it's safe to return.

How'd you do on the Hurricane Evacuation Quiz? Knowing what to do can make a big difference during a storm. If you aced it, high five! You're well on your way to being hurricane ready.

If you missed a few, don't worry! Review the answers and explanations to become even more prepared. Remember, staying informed and taking action early are key to a safe evacuation

Please check out these articles I've written for additional information:

For information about what to expect at a shelter:  Shelter Preparedness During a Hurricane

For a comprehensive guide to hurricane preparedness:  Hurricane Havoc:  Must-Know Tips to Weather the Storm Safely!

For information about stockpiling foods that don't require heating and a detailed list of first aid supplies:  Building a 72-Hour Home Kit - Part 1

For information about flashlights, radios,  and infant needs:  Building a 72-Hour Home Kit - Part 2.

For a list of the top items overlooked for a hurricane kit:  The Top 15 Overlooked Items for Your Hurricane Kit.

For a list of important documents and how to safeguard them:  Safeguarding Your Important Documents.   

Finally, for information about building a food stockpile:  Building a Food Supply.

And, don't forget you can also find me on Facebook and Instagram!

Additional Resources:

• American Red Cross:  Hurricane Preparedness
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:  Hurricane Preparedness
• Ready.gov:  Hurricanes