Living along the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean means being aware of hurricanes. Hurricane season starting on June 1. With El Niño transitioning to La Niña and extremely warm water temperatures, forecasters predict an active season with 23 named storms and 115 named storm days. On average, there are 14.4 named storms and 69.4 named storm days. It's crucial for anyone in hurricane-prone areas to know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane.
What Are Hurricanes?
Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over ocean water and often move toward land. They bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge (a rise in water level), flooding, and tornadoes. These storms are dangerous and can cause damage to places far inland.
Hurricanes have winds 74 mph and greater. Typically the upper right quadrant of the storm (the center wrapping around the eye) is the most intense portion of the storm. This is in part why Hurricane Katrina was so catastrophic when bringing up to 28 foot storm surges onto the Louisiana and Mississippi coastlines.
Here are some important terms you may hear:
Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area. Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
Rain Bands: Bands coming off the hurricane that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a landfalling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
Preparing Your Home & Yard for Hurricane Season
Ensuring your home is adequately prepared for hurricane season involves several key steps. First, focus on reinforcing vulnerable areas like the garage door, soffit, and roof.
Check if your garage door can withstand strong winds and impacts; if not, consider replacing or reinforcing it to resist pressure and debris impacts.
Similarly, caulking along the soffit and wall can strengthen the connection to the house, while adding extra tie-downs and caulking to your roof can prevent wind damage.
In your yard, proactive tree maintenance is essential to minimize risks during hurricanes. Regularly prune trees to improve their health and remove any weakened, diseased, or overhanging limbs that could potentially impact your home during high winds.
Additionally, keep tree limbs clear of power lines to prevent electrical hazards.
Landscaping also plays a role in home protection; consider replacing rock and gravel landscaping with organic mulch to reduce the risk of projectiles during high winds.
Having a Home Inventory Matters
Keeping an inventory of everything on your property matters.
Not having a home inventory could delay your claims payment. Most insurance companies require a record of lost or damaged items before they'll pay a personal property claim.
Many insurance companies offer apps or online forms for home inventories. If your insurer doesn't, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides a free NAIC Home Inventory app.
You can create your own inventory using your smartphone, taking pictures or video of each room in your home. Be sure to open closets and drawers and record serial numbers of items like appliances and electronics.
The Texas Department of Insurances a nice checklist you can print out and complete. You can access it here.
Don't forget the garage or shed, noting tools, lawn equipment, and sporting goods.
Keep your home inventory safe and up-to-date, storing it away from home with a family member or close friend, or online in cloud storage or email. I urge you to keep a paper copy of your inventory with your important documents.
Update the list regularly whenever you make significant purchases.
Medications
Preparing for a hurricane involves not only securing your home and belongings but also ensuring you have an ample supply of essential medication and medical supplies.
In Florida, residents residing in specific counties under a hurricane warning, state of emergency executive order, or activated emergency operations center are entitled to a 30-day refill of prescription medication, even if they recently refilled it. This provision helps individuals maintain necessary medication supply during critical times.
Similarly, in Alabama, the governor's proclamation during emergencies like Hurricane Ida allows for emergency refills of medication for up to 30 days. This measure ensures that residents can get refills of their medication without facing limitations imposed by standard refill policies.
In Texas, the Pharmacy Act and board rule permit pharmacists to dispense up to a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, excluding Schedule II controlled substances, without the prescribing practitioner's authorization during natural or man-made disasters.
If you rely on medication, it's essential to clarify with your pharmacist the specific provisions and allowances in place during hurricanes or other emergencies. Understanding these policies and procedures can help you address medication needs and ensure you have an adequate supply to last through the duration of a hurricane and its aftermath.
Sheltering in Place vs. Evacuation
Living in an area prone to hurricanes requires two plans: one for sheltering in place and another for evacuation. The decision to evacuate or remain in your home during an emergency is a critical one, requiring careful consideration of various factors, including whether you are living in an area expected to be directly impacted by the storm as well as the strength of the storm.
It's important to gather information from local authorities and news sources to assess immediate danger and make informed decisions. Some emergencies may require immediate evacuation, emphasizing the importance of promptly complying with official orders. If travel assistance is needed, arrangements should be made in advance to ensure a smooth evacuation process.
Given the unpredictability of hurricanes, having multiple evacuation routes and options is essential to ensure safety. Sharing your evacuation plans with trusted individuals is smart.
If you are considering sheltering in place, it's crucial to ensure that your home meets necessary safety standards, such as having impact-resistant windows and doors, maintaining clear exit paths, and having alternative communication methods in place to stay informed about the situation.
Knowing your evacuation zone and familiarizing yourself with evacuation routes are very important. Understanding this can help you make timely and effective decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies.
Duration of Supplies and Tax Holidays
Making sure you have adequate supplies during hurricane season is crucial, whether you opt to shelter in place or evacuate. The conventional wisdom used to be prepared for just 72 hours, but recent hurricane experiences have underscored the necessity of being prepared for a more extended time. In Florida, authorities recommend preparing for at least 7 days, while the American Red Cross advocates for a stockpile lasting 2 weeks to weather potential storms.
If affording supplies for a full 2-week period is overwhelming, consider starting with a 3-day supply and gradually expand it over time.
Several states, including Florida, Texas, and others, host special tax-free holidays before the onset of hurricane season. These events provide an opportunity to purchase emergency supplies without paying state sales tax. Monitoring and taking advantage of these tax-free periods can help reduce the financial burden of hurricane preparedness.
Supplies Checklist for Hurricanes
Water: Ensure you have one gallon per person per day for at least three days, ideally stocking up for two weeks to be safe.
Non-perishable Food: Have a three-day to two-week supply of canned goods, dry mixes, and other staples. If you have infants or young children, plan for a two-week supply of necessary items. Consider any special dietary needs and include emergency food kits as a convenient addition to your stockpile. Include meals you can eat without heating.
Food Preparation: Have a means to prepare food in case of power outages. Canned heat may be a safe option indoors during the storm, with outdoor cooking alternatives like grills or camping stoves available once conditions improve.
Disposable Utensils: Stock up on paper plates, plastic cups, napkins, and utensils for easy cleanup and convenience.
Can Opener: Ensure you have a manual can opener to open canned food if you lose power.
Communication and Information: Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for staying informed about the situation. Solar-powered radios are another reliable option. Additionally, have a flashlight with extra batteries or a hand-crank option.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and essential medications in your first aid kit.
Personal Hygiene: Pack items like soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products for personal hygiene needs.
Multi-tool or Utility Knife: Have a versatile tool for various tasks and repairs.
Emergency Signaling: Carry a whistle to signal for help if needed.
Protection: Keep dust masks on hand to filter contaminated air if necessary.
Temporary Repairs: Prepare for sheltering in place or creating temporary repairs with plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Sanitation: Have moist towelettes and garbage bags for personal sanitation needs.
Utility Tools: Keep a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if instructed to do so.
Navigation: Include local maps for navigating if GPS or internet service is unavailable.
Communication Devices: Ensure you have a cell phone with chargers and backup power banks to stay connected during the storm and its aftermath.
Important Documents: Store copies of identification, insurance policies, and other essential paperwork in a waterproof container. Also, maintain a documented home inventory and list of contacts.
Cash: Have cash on hand in case ATMs and card readers are unavailable during power outages.
Baby and Pet Supplies: Include necessary supplies for infants, young children, and pets, including formula, diapers, wipes, food, water, and medications.
Rain Gear and Footwear: Prepare rain gear and sturdy shoes or boots for protection against inclement weather. Avoid wearing flip flops.
Entertainment and Comfort Items: Include items like books, puzzles, small toys, or stuffed animals for entertainment and comfort during the storm.
Hurricane Watch
When a hurricane watch is issued for your area, it's crucial to take action to protect yourself and your property. There are a few final tasks to complete before the storm arrives.
Bring inside or secure items like lawn furniture, potted plants and trash cans that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Anchor down objects that can't be brought indoors, such as gas grills and propane tanks, to prevent them from causing harm.
Install permanent storm shutters or pre-cut plywood over windows to protect them from high winds and flying debris.
Clean out drains, gutters, and downspouts to prevent water buildup and potential flooding. Stockpile protective materials such as plastic sheeting and sandbags to protect vulnerable areas from flooding.
Ensure your vehicle is fueled up so you can evacuate quickly if necessary.
Evacuation Orders
When a hurricane warning is issued, evacuation orders may follow, typically in two forms: voluntary and mandatory. Officials use an evacuation formula to prioritize areas and populations at the highest risk of flooding and severe damage.
If a mandatory evacuation order is issued, it's legally binding, and you must leave. Stick to designated evacuation routes, even if they're congested, to avoid delays.
In many cases, a mandatory evacuation may be declared with little notice. If you're in an evacuation zone, plan your destination in advance.
If you are going to evacuate, there are a few additional things you should do before you leave:
- Turn off utilities: Shut off the gas, electricity, and water to prevent leaks, electrical fires, or other hazards while you're away.
- Unplug electronics: Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges if there's a blackout or electrical storm.
- Clean out the fridge: Empty your refrigerator and freezer of perishable foods to prevent them from spoiling during a power outage.
- Lock up: Make sure all doors and windows are securely locked to deter burglars or looters while you're away.
Whether heading to a family member or friend's home, a hotel, or a shelter, you should take a "go" back with you.
The go bag should include:
- Clothing for a couple of days
- Copies of important documents like insurance policies, deeds, and IDs
- Flashlights and radios with batteries or hand-crank power
- Prescription medication and medical records
- Cash
- Extra keys for house and car
- Phone chargers
- Evacuation plan
- Water, food, and medications for at least 10 days (may not be necessary if you are going to a friend's house.)
In the event of evacuation to a shelter, expect basic provisions like food, water, and a place to sleep. However, shelters may lack the comfort and privacy of home or a hotel.
They can be crowded, noisy, and may have limited staff. General population shelters provide basic first aid, but individuals with disabilities or special needs requiring daily assistance should consider special needs shelters, if available.
If You live in a Mobile Home
Hurricanes are extremely dangerous for people living in mobile homes. These homes are not as strong as regular houses, so they're more likely to get damaged or destroyed during hurricanes.
Mobile homes are built with lightweight materials, so they're not as sturdy as regular houses. They don't have a strong foundation either, which makes them easier to damage when strong winds and flying objects hit them.
Secondly, mobile homes are usually tied down to the ground with straps or tie-downs. But sometimes, these ties aren't strong enough to hold the home in place during a hurricane. So, the home can get lifted or turned over by the strong winds.
Also, mobile homes are often found in places that flood easily during hurricanes, like near the coast or in flood-prone areas. When water gets inside, it can weaken the structure of the home.
Because of all these reasons, it's really important for people living in mobile homes to leave early if a hurricane is coming. They should go to a safer place like a hurricane shelter or a strong building. Mobile home communities usually have plans in place to help people during hurricanes, so it's important to follow those plans and stay safe.
If You Live on a Boat
Being in a marina during a hurricane can be really risky for both you and your boat. Here's what you should do if you find yourself in that situation:
First, keep an eye on the weather forecasts. Make sure you know where the hurricane is heading and how strong it's going to be. Listen to updates from reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center and local authorities.
Next, think about your options. Figure out if it's safer to stay in the marina or if you should evacuate to a safer place. If you can, move your boat to a protected harbor or inland waterway.
If you decide to stay in the marina, get your boat as secure as possible. Check all your lines, fenders, and anchors to make sure they're tight. Take off any extra stuff from the deck to lessen wind resistance.
Be ready for a storm surge. Hurricanes often cause water levels to rise a lot in marinas and harbors. Make sure your boat's hatches, windows, and doors are sealed up tight. You might need to add more lines and fenders to protect your boat from getting damaged.
Follow the rules at the marina. They usually have plans for hurricanes, so listen to what they say. If things start to get worse or if they tell you to leave, find a sturdy building or a hurricane shelter on land. Don't stay on your boat if it's not safe.
Remember, your safety is the most important thing during a hurricane. If you're not sure if your boat can handle it, it's better to be safe and find shelter on land.
A Word About Pets
If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. You have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able, or allowed, to go back for your pets. Pets left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. There is so much that can be said about pet disaster preparedness, that an upcoming blog on just that topic is coming very soon.
During the Hurricane
Now that the storm has arrived, if you choose to stay in your home, it's important to take some precautions to keep yourself and your family safe:
First, stay informed by using a portable radio to listen to important updates and instructions from authorities.
Next, stay indoors and away from windows, skylights, and glass doors. Find a safe area inside your home, like an interior room, closet, or downstairs bathroom.
Don't venture outside until you're sure the storm has passed. Sometimes, the eye of the storm can create a brief calm, but dangerous winds could still be on the way.
If the power goes out, keep your refrigerator closed to keep perishable food from spoiling.
If you're using a portable generator, make sure to follow all the manufacturer's instructions. Generators should be properly grounded and should never be used indoors or near windows, doors, or vents. Since generators produce carbon monoxide, it's crucial to have a working CO detector in your home to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles, as candles can pose a fire hazard.
If you're at a shelter, follow the directions given by the staff in charge to ensure your safety and well-being. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the storm.
After the Hurricane
Firstly, continue to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or local news for the latest updates on the situation. If you evacuated, only return home when authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
When heading out, be alert and cautious. Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Watch out for fallen objects in the road, downed electrical wires, and weakened structures that could collapse.
At home, assess the damage carefully. Walk around the outside of your home to check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. Be mindful of potential hazards like downed power lines and standing water, which could conceal dangers like sinkholes or bacteria.
Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows and arranging for temporary repairs. If you suspect a gas leak, stay out of the property until it's deemed safe by the utility company. Keep accurate records of expenses and document any damaged personal property.
Furthermore, be cautious of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if you're using a generator. Always run generators outside and away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use bottled water if the city's drinking water is compromised due to power loss and avoid hazardous debris that may pose a danger.
Emergency Disaster Assistance
Finding help after a hurricane can be tough, but there are programs and organizations ready to assist you in getting back on your feet:
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): FEMA is a well-known government agency that provides disaster relief. They offer various forms of assistance including emergency shelters, financial aid, and transitional housing for evacuees. Visit FEMA or call 1-800-621-3362 for more information.
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Disaster Assistance Improvement Program (DAIP): DAIP offers personalized assistance to meet your specific needs. They provide help with food, housing, lost wages, and more. Visit DAIP or call 1-800-462-7585 for assistance.
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Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS provides federal tax relief for those affected by disasters, allowing you to claim losses or damages. Visit their website for more details on tax relief options.
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U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The DOL offers financial assistance through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program for those whose employment has been affected by disasters. Visit Disaster Recovery Assistance for more information.
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA provides low-interest loans to help small businesses rebuild after disasters. Visit the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience or call 1-800-827-5722 for assistance.
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American Red Cross: Founded in 1881, the American Red Cross offers a range of resources for disaster relief and recovery. They provide assistance with notifying loved ones, evaluating safety, and emotional support. Visit American Red Cross or call 1-800-733-2767 for assistance.
These programs and organizations are here to help you navigate the challenges of recovery after a hurricane. Whether you need financial assistance, housing support, or emotional guidance, there are resources available to support you during this difficult time.
After a hurricane, getting back on your feet can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. From getting ready before the storm to rebuilding afterward, there's help available at every step. Stay informed, stay safe, and don't hesitate to ask for support. Together, we can handle anything that comes our way. If you found this helpful, share it with others to help them prepare too.
Please check out these other articles I've written for additional information:
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 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!