Hurricane Tracking Blog

We are now officially in the hurricane season and there is no telling if one or more of the storms predicted could make a landing in your country or area. With preparation being the key, in case of a hurricane, here are the top 10 essentials / necessities to have.

Radio
This is a must have as it is important for you to monitor the latest news regarding the hurricane. Battery-operated is a plus especially as there is usually no electricity.

Flashlight
With the storm surge winds and rain, it is more than likely that there will be loss of in electricity. A flashlight will come in handy in locating matches, candles or lamps in the dark.

Lamp/Candles
Whether it’s the kersone oil lamps or regular candles … ensure you are equipped with enough lighting to move around during the power outage.

Water
Between one and two gallons is recommended per person, per day, since hurricanes can induce severe flooding that will taint water supplies.

First-Aid Kit
First aid supplies should include basic items such as bandages, antiseptic towelettes and ointments, as well as aspirin and other general first aid items along with any necessary prescription medications.

Baby Food and/or Prepared Formula, Diapers and Other Baby Supplies
The last thing you would want is to find out that you are out of these necessary items for your child during the hurricane. If one is on the horizon, ensure that you are prepared.

Bedding
You may have to evacuate, so ensure that you have your bedding at hand. While you will have a place to ‘ride out the storm’ … your comfort level will be dependent on you.

Food
Non-perishable foods that can be eaten without additional preparation that ensure you have ‘meal on spot’. Dry cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter and chips are excellent choices that are not only edible, but may also provide a measure of comfort, particularly for children.

Batteries
Batteries are a must especially if the power goes, your radios and flashlight will be of no use unless you have these essential items.

Mops, Buckets and Towels
With the heavy rainfall you will be experiencing during the hurricane, leaks and water seeping into the house will be something you may have to deal with. Ensure you have your mops and buckets at hand.

Before a hurricane, here are some things you should from an electrical safety stand point - your hurricane checklist:

1. Trim and remove trees that could fall on power lines during strong winds.
2. Contact your power company for advice when trimming or removing trees that are close to power lines.
3. Have a licensed electrician check the service wire connection to your home to make sure it can withstand hurricane winds.
4. Stock up on battery-powered flashlights and batteries in case of power outages.
5. Ensure that family members know where the circuit breaker is located, just in case you need to turn off the power.
6. If you are installing a stand-by generator, get a licensed electrician to connect it to the main electric panel. A special switch is needed to ensure that the power from the generator does not “back feed” into power lines and potentially cause injuries.
7. If someone in your home depends on life-support equipment, and you do not have a stand-by generator, consider moving the individual to a special facility to avoid the effects of an extended power outage.
8. When a hurricane threatens, turn your refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings in order to ensure that the food lasts longer in the event of a power outage.

Monday, June 1 marked the beginning of the hurricane season. Dr. William Gray of the Tropical Meteorology Project is forecasting as many as 12 hurricanes for the 2009 hurricane season. With safety in mind, we look at the top 10 safety measures to take in preparation for the season.

1. Evacuate if you must
Evacuation orders are given for a reason. If you are told to leave, follow instructions, it is for your safety. The temptation is always there to stay in the familiarity of your own surrounding…but that decision could cost your life.

2. Secure important documents
Make sure you secure your important documents such as birth certificates, passports, diplomas, etc. Keep them all together in case you have to evacuate.

3. Have a hurricane kit
There are some ‘must leave’ items in case of a hurricane. Ensure that you stock up on supplies such as batteries, flashlights, battery operated-radios and other essential items.

4. Stay Inside
For some, it might be exciting to witness a hurricane, the temptation might be there to capture it on camera…but remember there may be flying objects and other dangers lurking, so just stay inside.

5. Secure your surroundings
If you have glass windows secure them by boarding them over before or tape to reduce flying glass in the event of breakage.

6. Stock up on water
Follow a hurricane, it generally takes days for water to be restored. Invest in a water tank or make sure you fill several large containers in case of the hurricane actually hit.

7. Invest in a generator
If a hurricane hits, chances are you will be without power for days. Have a back-up generator. Don’t wait until the event of a hurricane to buy one…be ready.

8. Know your emergency shelters
If you are living in a flood-prone area, ensure you know where to go in case of an emergency. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency normally issues a list of the various shelters…keep informed in case you will need to seek shelter.

9. Trim back branches from trees
Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.

10. Insure your property
A lot of people don’t insure their properties, hoping that they will be okay in the event of a hurricane…but things don’t always turn out the way you want. Finance is a challenge but it will be worth to have your property covered…that will turn out cheaper in the long run.

Each year some of us enter the hurricane season unprepared. When the weatherman announces that a storm or hurricane is threatening, we move frantically about – forming long lines in the supermarket, hardware stores and at petrol stations. But, why waste time in this ‘mad-rush’ to make our home hurricane proof every year, when we can very easily do a little each month before the season begins?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 until November 30. With six months in between seasons, there is plenty of time to get your home and family prepared.

Here are some things we can do around our properties to help prepare:

Roof Inspection: Before the hurricane season begins, inspect your roof. Repair loose or missing shingles, loose zinc and areas that may leak.

Survey your property: Remove dead or weak trees and branches. Regular pruning helps to minimize damage to roofs and windows.

Windows and Awnings: People tend to tape their windows during a hurricane; the only advantage to this is if the windows get broken, the glass fragments will not fly all over the room. However, tape will not prevent debris from crashing through your window. The best thing to do therefore is to fit your windows with either hurricane shutters or with either plain plywood.

When choosing hurricane shutters be sure to get some background information on each type. The better the materials, the better the shutter will protect your home. If you choose to use plywood, make sure the plywood has no serious defects, such as splits. If you don’t already have plywood, this is the time to start buying; perhaps a sheet at a time, to avoid the rush on hardware stores when a hurricane threatens. Don’t forget to buy screws and nails to secure the plywood.

If you have aluminum awnings, make sure they can be lowered and secured when the time comes. Cloth awnings can be rolled up and tied. Doing this will prevent damage and save you repair/replacement costs.

Supplies: It’s always best to get supplies before hurricane watch has been issued. By that point, it will be difficult to find many of the things you need. Set up a hurricane season preparedness box which you can store every year.

Know if your property is in a flood prone area: Contact your local Disaster Preparation / Emergency Management office to find out if your area is prone to flooding. Whether it is or isn’t, have an evacuation plan ready.

Generator: Keeping your generator serviced is the best way to ensure that it starts easily. Before the hurricane season begins, drain old gas from the system. Old gas left in the generator can “gum up” the fuel line and prevent it from starting up. If possible, take your generator in for service every six months and make sure all rubber lines are not dry rotted and that the spark plug is still functioning. Periodically, you can start the generator and let it run for about 5 minutes. Letting it run will lubricate the lines and seals and keep the battery in working condition.

Additionally, having several extra gas cans for the generator is VERY helpful. Also, you might want to stockpile some fuel in advance, but be aware that long-term storage of gas is not advisable.