Man have created great things with the use of science and technology and invented many things to help themselves in many difficult situations. But they are not able to invent anything to stop the occurrence of natural calamities. Though they have invented many things which will inform occurrence of these natural calamities before they occur. One such natural calamity is hurricane. An hurricane, smaller than a storm, a weather condition that contains maximum sustained winds with speed of more than 119 km per hour. They bring with them a lot of destruction of life and property. Hence it is very important to save yourself from the damages caused from hurricane. Read on.
Complexity level: Moderate
Time required: 5 hours
Required Resources:
- Enough food and water
- Stock of batteries
- Ropes
- Plastic bags
- Flashlights
- Extra clothing etc.
Instructions:
1. Finding a secure place:
- You will have to first find a place for your family in your home. It can be a room on the ground floor without any window.
- If you don’t have any such shelters in your home, you should have knowledge of such shelters near to your home.
2.Carry enough food and water:
- You should have enough food and water for you and your family enough for a few weeks.
- Remember to freshen up your stock if it gets stale.
3.Keeping stock of essentials:
- Make preparations for other supplies. Make a stock of batteries, flashlights, ropes, tarps, plastic bags, clothing, and other essentials that will help you.
4. Keeping your house ready:
- Also try to keep your house hurricane proof. See that you have all parts of hurricane shutters and extra screws at hand if you have hurricane shutters.
- Store anything loose you find from your yard to your garage. Keep yourself informed about weather reports by watching news and protect yourself when advised by officials. Do not wait until it rains because it may be too late to protect yourself.
5. Developing communication skills:
- It is a brilliant idea to develop a family communication plan as you might get separated from your family before or after the storm. See that every member of the family knows or carry everyone’s number in his purse or wallet.
6. Taking care of your pets as well:
- Do not forget your pets. As shelters will not accept pets, you have to see that they are in a safe place.
Frequently asked questions:
How is a hurricane watch different from a hurricane warning?
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions for a particular coastal region, possible in the next 36 hours whereas hurricane warning means hurricane conditions for a particular coastal region possible within 24 hours.
Quick tips:
1. During a storm, things like chairs, tables can become harmful as they fly due to the strong winds. So remove lawn furniture from your yard to minimize damage.
2. All the windows which are not covered with shutters should be taped. They will not prevent from breaking but stop glass which will start flying in the air due to strong winds.
3. Charge flashlight and cell phone. A rush of lightening can take all the charge from your phone at the time it is needed the most.
4. Keep your generator and fuel in a good place. See that generator conditions are good and are fueled with enough backup.
Things to watch out for:
1. Make a note of Red Cross and government officials.
2. Let the excitement of adventure rest in these situations and remember to take care of yourself and your family members.
