Preparing for the Unavoidable Hurricanes and Tropical Storms
It’s summer time and the sun is shining! We hope you are
enjoying the gorgeous weather and the afternoon showers, to cool you off!
Unfortunately, along with the gorgeous summer months we have to be prepared for
the horrid tropical storms and the chance of dealing with hurricanes/tornadoes. Even if they don’t hit Tallahassee, you could
be traveling and end up in a city where they do hit. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1st
to November 30Th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and
hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were
selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. We want everyone to be
safe, and prepared for these storms ahead of time.
Ways to make sure
you’re prepared for Hurricane/Storm season:
v Be Informed
o Stay updated with the news via
TV, radio, newspaper, or Internet and
be sure to keep watch on the exact path of the hurricane/storm. The hurricane
could take a turn at any time so staying updated is very important.
v Plan and Know the Escape/Evacuation
Route
o As a hurricane/tropical storm approaches,
things may get pretty hectic. The roads may be packed with people doing last
minute preparations. It's going to be tough getting through traffic when you
really don't know where you're going. Be prepared ahead of time. Study the evacuation
route in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows the route. Visit
the National
v Protect Your Home
o The wind bands during a hurricane
or a tropical storm winds can get very strong. If necessary, be sure to board
up your windows. Also, pick up lawn furniture, garden tools, or any other heavy
objects in your yard. When the winds pick up, these items could be flying
around damaging your home or killing someone.
v Fill Up Your Gas Tanks
o As the hurricane or storm passes
through, there could be many power outages and gas shortages. Getting a full
tank along with a spare gas can is very important. It may be a day, two days,
or even a week for everything to start coming back again.
v Water, Water, Water!
o Water is an essential. After a
storm, the water supply might be down. Keeping lots and lots of water available
will help you and your family stay hydrated and cool, especially if the power
might be out. It can get pretty hot and humid. Make sure you have enough to
last you a couple weeks.
v Battery Operated Radios, Extra
Batteries, Flashlights, First Aid Kits, and Extra Clothes
o These are very important to have.
They will aid you after a damaging storm. The battery operated radio will keep
you informed while the flashlight will guide you in the darkened night. Extra
clothes will always come in handy.
v Lots of Non-Perishable Foods
o Non-Perishable foods are foods
that won't spoil even without refrigeration. If there are major damages in your
area, most likely there won't be power, nor will the stores and restaurants be
open. So keep a lot of non-perishable foods like canned foods and packaged
foods available. Make sure that there is enough to last you a week or two.
v Keep Extra Cash
o The banks may be closed and the
ATMs may be down. Even if the stores are open, their credit card machines may
also be down, so keep some cash just in case you might need it.
v Seek a Shelter
o The newscasters will announce the
available shelters in your area. If a hurricane is coming right over your path,
I would strongly recommend you to seek shelter. Wanting to stay home to watch
over your house is not worth risking your life. Even if your home is damage, at
least you and your family will be safe.
Stay safe this summer and make sure to
be prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t mess around with storms or
hurricanes, they’re very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. We hope
everyone has safe travels and an awesome summer. Remember, we wanna see ya in a
KIA!
