Content

• Steps
• Advice
• What you need

A hurricane is defined as a tropical or subtropical storm with winds in excess of 119 km / h. These storms can suddenly develop from a series of small thunderstorms during hurricane season (usually late summer and early fall), so you should always be prepared. To survive a storm, you should know how to prepare to respond, weather a storm and take precautions when it dissipates.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Prepare in advance

1. 

   Be prepared if you live in a storm prone area. Do you live in a storm prone area (such as Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in the United States)? Agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommend that residents be prepared for storm season preparedness, i.e. before day 1. June. The back-up items should include a “family disaster plan” and a “disaster kit” that you can easily access in an emergency.
   • A family disaster plan outlines what to do in an emergency. For example, you need to plan emergency exits, trying to create multiple exits in case the priority exits become unusable. Conventions of where to meet again if everyone gets lost.
   • All family members must be trained to disconnect electricity, water, and gas. Make sure the youngest also knows how to call emergency services.
   • The disaster preparedness kit needs to be ready whenever needed, which includes the basic items needed for a person to survive for at least 72 hours such as food, water, and ambulance and lights.
   • Once the winds have reached what is considered a tropical storm, preparation is impossible, and you will have to focus on surviving.

2. 

   
   
   Consider buying a generator. A generator will keep you powered after the storm dissipates until utility power returns. Store generators in a place where rain does not come and do not get flooded. Learn how to use the machine and pay special attention to proper ventilation.
   • Always make sure the generator is grounded and in a dry place.
   • Never plug your portable generator into a normal electrical outlet or connect it directly to the home grid, as this can lead to a reverse charge to the grid.
   • To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, be sure to always operate your generator outdoors, away from windows and doors.
   • Ask the seller for specific instructions if you don't know how to use your generator.
   • Generators require regular maintenance and inspection. Be sure to follow the instructions to avoid the machine in case when it is needed most.

3. 

   
   
   Buy a self-powered radio and flashlight. It is almost certain that grid electricity will be lost during a storm, and you will not be able to access communications or light sources. Consider having a light and a battery powered radio or using a mechanical device.
   • The battery-powered station “All Alerts” receives NOAA's best weather alerts. You can listen to constantly updated news and weather forecast from NOAA. It is recommended to pre-install this channel during times of danger and make sure the station is fully charged.
   • Buy a flashlight or a mechanical light. The Coleman LED Micropacker is a good light and can light up a small space with three AAA batteries for days. Mechanical lamps use mechanical energy from sources such as the hand crank so they never run out of energy.
   • Light sticks are also a safe alternative. Given the risk of gas leaks during a storm, you should be wary of candle lighting.
   • Store many conventional batteries and store in a waterproof container.

4. 

   
   
   Build more "safe rooms" in the house, if possible. A safety room is an structure that can withstand extreme weather events according to US federal government standards, such as tornadoes or hurricanes. Usually these rooms are located in a room in the house. People who take refuge in standard safety rooms are almost entirely able to avoid casualties in extreme weather.
   • Safe rooms are "strengthened", meaning that they are reinforced to withstand strong winds with ceilings, floors, walls and other structures built of thick, solid concrete.
   • Safe rooms can be added or renovated.You need to make sure the safe room has easy access, stores water and other essentials, and is relatively comfortable inside. People often use an indoor bathroom for this purpose.
   • You do not have conditions to build a safe room? In the United States, the federal government often offers grants or other fundraising programs.

5. 

   Against the house before the storm season. The hurricane's destructive power is mainly due to the strong winds that can blow away or tear apart anything that is not firmly fixed. Try to minimize possible damage by taking action before the hurricane season begins.
   • Strong winds can break trees, so get rid of damaged branches near your home before the storm comes. Clean up piles of broken material that could have been blown away during the storm.
   • Retrofit roofs, windows and doors to increase protection. For example, you can install shock-resistant windows, load-bearing doors and storm shutters in advance to protect against storm damage.
   • You can also hire a contractor to reinforce the roof so that the roof is more securely attached to the frame with storm clamps, braces or bracing plates.

6. 

   Reinforce your home during warnings. Take further steps if you know a storm is coming. Even if you're fending off your home, you'll still need to take other measures to increase your protection before the storm hits.
   • If you have storm shutters, close the doors. Or you can add board or tape to the window. Plywood works best, and use strength tape instead of duct tape.
   • Secure gutters and drain pipes, remove debris, clear clogs. You also need to close the fuel tanks tightly.
   • Check the garage door to see if it is secure. Do not leave the door open, at the same time use a board to close the gap between the door and the floor if any: blown garage door can destroy the house.

7. 

   Stock up on food and water. When the power goes out, the refrigerator will stop working, fish meat, milk, or other perishable foods will go rancid. Tap water may also be cut. To maximize your chances of survival, keep a stock of canned or non-perishable foods and bottled water - at least for three days.
   • Fill bottles of drinking water and store them in a shelter. You will need 4 liters of water per day per person, plus water for cooking and bathing. Mark your calendar to ensure that your water intake is regularly updated.
   • Maintain enough non-perishable foods for at least three days. These foods include canned food or dry food. Also, stock up on pet food.
   • During hazardous times, you need to disinfect bathtubs and large water tanks, then fill them with water. These resources may be needed after the storm has passed for drinking, bathing and flushing.
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Part 2 of 3: Overcoming a storm

1. 

   Evacuation. In the US, move north to avoid storms if you can; The storm gets weaker when it hits it. For example, go to Georgia if you live in southern Florida, or move deep within if you're in Carolina. When you are on an evacuation, it is easier for family members and pets to be together than it is to withstand a storm.
   • Stay together. Leave your home in a group and share a car if possible.
   • Always obey an evacuation order. Evacuation is always a top priority if you live in a mobile home, even those made after 1994. Mobile homes can be destroyed by the weakest storms classified as Category 1.
   • Take only what is really needed like cell phone, medicine, ID card, cash and maybe some clothes. Remember to bring the first aid kit.
   • Fill your car's gas tank and get ready early. You will do not want Sit in the car while the storm is raging.
   • Never leave pets behind - they will injure or die if debris, floodwater or blown objects cannot be avoided.

2. 

   Find a shelter. If you decide to stay, find a place to protect yourself, your family and your pets during the storm. This shelter should have no windows on the wall or ceiling. If you choose to shelter indoors, you will need to close all interior doors, support and reinforce outside doors.
   • Hopefully you have prepared as described above. In that case, you will have a safe place and everything you need.
   • If not, manage when you can. Choose an indoor room with strong walls and no windows. Bathroom and wall cabinets are usable. You can even protect yourself in the tub and cover with plywood.
   • Or you can look for public storm shelters. In the US, hurricane-prone regions like Florida have public shelters that open during storms. Find such a place near home, bring with you items such as medicine, insurance records, ID cards, bedding, flashlights, snacks and games.

3. 

   Get to shelter at least 2 hours before the storm hits. Do not allow water to new foot jump. Carry a battery-powered radio and use it for news updates (every 15-30 minutes). At this point, the outer edge of the storm has begun to impact where you are.
   • Always have a disaster emergency backup ready.
   • Always stay in a shelter, even when the storm appears to be calm. A hurricane can get stronger very quickly, especially when you are passing through the eye of the storm.
   • Keep away from windows, skylights and glass doors. The greatest risk from a hurricane is injury from wind-blown objects or broken glass.
   • For added safety, try to lie on the floor under a sturdy object, such as a table.
   • Water and lightning pose the risk of electric shock during storms. Turn off the circuit breaker and large electrical appliances if there is a power outage or there is a danger of flooding. Try not to use electrical appliances, the phone or the shower.

4. 

   Stay in one place in an emergency but call for help. Lots of incidents can happen while storms are raging. You could be in danger of rising water, injured by impact with debris, or face some health crisis. What should you do if the problem occurs?
   • Unless there is a risk of flooding, it is probably best to stay in a shelter. Strong winds and flying debris can injure or even kill you.
   • In Vietnam, you can call 129 (emergency number in case of natural disaster) if you or your family is in life-threatening situation. But don't forget that the phone may not work, and emergency services may not be always available. There were thousands of emergency calls that went unanswered during the time of Hurricane Katrina in the United States.
   • Make use of available resources. Treat wounds with a first aid kit. If you can reach 129, they should at least tell you what to do.
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Part 3 of 3: Post-storm recovery

1. 

   Ensure safety when going out. Do not leave the shelter until the official "storm dissipates" notice from the authorities. The phenomenon of wind stillness may just be because you are in the dangerous eye area, followed by "storm wall" and strong winds. A hurricane can take an hour to clear.
   • The area around the eye of the storm is where the wind is strongest. It can also turn into a tornado.
   • Wait at least 30 minutes after the eye of the storm passes before entering rooms with windows. Even then you need to be very careful - at this point there is still a high chance of debris breaking the glass.
   • Be cautious even when the storm has dissipated. There are still many dangers waiting, such as fallen trees, power lines and power lines. Do not come near these power lines. Instead, call the electric power company or rescue service for help.
   • You also need to stay away from flooded areas. Use extreme caution when entering flooded waters, as there may be debris or other dangerous objects that you cannot see.

2. 

   Be careful when entering buildings. The hurricane can destroy many, if not most, structures. Do not enter buildings after a storm unless you are sure they are safe. Also, get out as quickly as possible if the building shows signs of serious damage in case the house collapses.
   • Stay away if you smell gas, are flooded with water, or if the building has been damaged by fire.
   • Use flashlights instead of candles, matches, torches, or lanterns. There is a high risk of a storm gas leak, and using such vehicles could cause an explosion or fire. Open windows and doors to let the gas escape.
   • Do not attempt to energize unless you are FULLY sure it is safe. Check electrical and gas connection before opening.
   • Pay attention to loose, slippery floorboards, falling debris, cracked mortar when entering a building.

3. 

   Damage assessment. Your number one priority during a storm is keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe. You should only initiate a loss assessment after the storm dissipates. Inspect the home for structural damage. If you have any concerns, get the authorities checked out as soon as possible and do not go near the area until repair is complete.
   • Clean and disinfect any items that could come into contact with wastewater, bacteria or chemicals. Throw out spoiled food. Throw everything away when in any doubt.
   • Maintain a safe water system. For example, treat contaminated and damaged water systems, and inspect wells for chemical contamination.
   • Removing and replacing plasterboard and other flat panels can provide mold shelter.

4. 

   Pumping out water flooded in the basement. You should never enter a flooded basement - apart from the risk of electric shock, flooded areas have potential for debris and bacteria from things like sewage. Instead, pump the water so that the water level slowly recedes by about a third each day until it runs out.
   • Plug the water vacuum into a safe outlet upstairs and pump the water out. Do not let the power cord get into the water and wear rubber boots for safety.
   • If you have a high capacity pump, insert the pump end into the basement through the window.
   • If you cannot safely pump out the water in the basement, call the fire service and ask for their help.

5. 

   Report loss to your insurance company. You can be compensated for some home and property losses if you have flood, wind and storm damage insurance. Contact the insurance company as soon as you can file your claim.
   • Make a list of damages to report. Take photos, record videos, keep receipts for repairs, bills for supplies and even hotel expenses.
   • If you evacuate your home, make sure the insurance company knows where to contact you. Try contacting them by phone. Many insurance companies offer free 24-hour calls.
   • In the event of a total loss, some people even paint their address and the name of the insurance company on the house to attract the attention of the insurer.
   • Try to prevent as much damage as possible. For example, covering roofs with tarpaulins and closing gaps with plywood, plastic sheets or other materials.
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Advice

• Storm season:
  • The Atlantic (Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico) and Central Pacific regions: From 1 June to 30 November.
  • East Pacific (extends to longitude 140 degrees West): May 15 to November 30.
• If someone needs help, such as the elderly or the sick, help them get to safety.
• Only go out when absolutely necessary. There is usually no reason to leave home until the storm is over.
• Stay alert during storm season. The National Hurricane Center provides free storm monitoring and forecast information. Local media are also good sources of information about the storm's expected path, intensity and possible impact.
• Pay attention to your pet, and attach identifying information such as a necklace to increase your chances of finding it again in case they get lost.
• The writer of this article lives in an area that is prone to storms. All houses here have basements. It is the safest place to take refuge. You should keep an eye on the weather channel, they will notify if a storm is coming. Stock up on food and keep something in front of the window. Be sure to have a flashlight and a battery-powered radio for the outside situation.
• When you are in a storm, DO NOT BE UNDER THE FLOOR! You need to stay above ground to avoid storm surge. If you live in a high-rise apartment building, go down to one of the lower floors, but it's much safer to move to a smaller building if it's not too late.

What you need

• Non-perishable foods such as canned foods, cookies, bread, etc. All perishable foods need to be used up during a storm or discarded after the storm dissipates, as they are hazardous. health if not stored in the refrigerator because there is no electricity.
• Bottled water. Water in stormy areas is likely to be polluted. You need to boil the water, even for several months after a storm hits.
• Plywood and tape for window protection
• Some flashlights or mechanical lights
• Lots of spare batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Light sticks - safer than candles
• Generator with instructions - always keep the instructions clearly visible
• Recreational media such as board games, cards, paper, and pens
• Pet food and water, cages, comforting mattresses and toys, if you have pets
• Extra clothing for everyone, including swim boots