A hurricane, also known as a tropical cyclone, is a well-organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that arises over warm tropical waters and rotates around a well-defined core. Hurricanes can cause a wide range of severe hazards, including torrential rains, storm surges, devastating winds, and tornadoes. While storms can be deadly, planning and preparation can significantly reduce the probability of injury and substantial property damage.
What can I do before a hurricane?
These storm preparation tips will help keep your family safe and damage to your property to a minimum.
Maintain clean gutters, downpipes, and drains.
During heavy rains, leaves and other debris can build in gutters, obstructing downspouts. Overflowing water can cause foundation damage, pull gutters away from the roof, and cause mildew and structural damage. Prevent this by cleaning your gutters regularly. Additionally, this is a time to look for missing roof tiles or loose sheet cladding that could fall loose in severe winds.
Prune overhanging tree branches.
Maintaining the health of garden trees can help minimize harm from falling branches and boughs, as well as uprooted trees. Consult your local council’s tree trimming standards, and leave huge operations to the specialists. Hiring the services of a skilled tree surgeon is a far safer alternative than doing the task on your own.
Secure loose items.
Wind gusts of more than 90 kilometers per hour can accompany severe storms, changing mundane objects like garden furniture into dangerous projectiles. As part of your storm preparation, secure outside items and move cars indoors or away from trees. Remember that storms might occur while you are away, so keep outside areas tidy and store away objects that are prone to be picked up by strong winds rather than leaving them out in the open.
Keep an emergency storm kit on hand.
Storms can knock out power and water for several days. Having an emergency kit on hand can help you survive until normal service is restored. Prescriptions, a flashlight, a portable radio, replacement batteries, a first-aid kit, food and water, and blankets and clothing should all be included in your storm kit. You should also keep important documents in waterproof containers in your kit.
Take precautions as the storm approaches.
As the storm comes, shut windows and doors and bring pets inside. Unplug electrical appliances and aerials, and switch off circuit breakers. Storms are typically brief, and while it may be tempting to watch the action, it is best to avoid windows in case of flying debris. Instead, listen to the radio or check the internet for local weather updates. Visit this link if water has entered your property for a proper response to the situation.
Consult your local authorities and emergency services.
Learn about your community’s emergency plans, warning signs, evacuation routes, fire water damage restoration companies and emergency shelter locations. Additionally, local emergency services can educate you on the most common types of disasters in your area.
Conclusion
When the National Weather Service gives a hurricane warning, we have little time to construct hurricane shelters or storm shutters. On the other hand, hurricane preparation might put you one step ahead of the storm. These storm preparation tactics will help you keep your family safe while also minimizing damage to your property during a storm.
