Episode # 475, Are You Really Ready For A Hurricane?
Are You Really Ready For A Hurricane?
Mentioned In This Episode:
NOAA National Hurricane Center Video
Only four Category 5 hurricanes to make landfall in the continental United States,
The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and Camille in 1969, Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Understand Your Hurricane Risk
Know your area’s hurricane history and the likelihood of being impacted.
Nine hurricanes that have impacted Alabama since the late 80s. Mobile and Baldwin counties were mentioned several times as impacted zones. Learn the history of your county and hurricanes.
Identify flood zones and potential storm surge areas.
Decide ahead of time when you will evacuate
Category three or four?
Category two?
Mention of a hurricane?
Create an Emergency Plan For Hurricanes
Family Communication Plan: Establish how you will contact each other and where to meet if separated.
Have a printed family contact list, shared among family
Contact ONE outside the impact area
Hurricane Evacuation Routes: Know the official evacuation routes and shelters.
Special Needs: Plan for elderly, disabled, or those with medical conditions.
May have to evacuate earlier, or evacuate to a suitable shelter
Build an Emergency Hurricane Kit
Essentials:
Water (at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days, seven to ten is better)
Non-perishable food (at least a three-day supply, but three weeks would be better)
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit, Medications and medical supplies
We have a comprehensive “Building Your First-aid Kits” Guide at practicalprepping.info/courses
Multi-purpose tool
Personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (ID, insurance policies, bank account records)
Cell phone with chargers and backup batteries
Additional Items:
Cash – small denominations
Emergency blankets
Maps of the area
Baby supplies (if applicable)
Pet supplies (if applicable)
Secure Your Home
Windows and Doors:
If you need to board up windows with plywood, buy it early, before a hurricane threat
Reinforce doors and garage doors.
Landscaping:
Trim trees and shrubs to minimize the risk of falling branches.
Outdoors:
Secure loose items such as patio furniture, grills, and bicycles.
Utilities:
Know how to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
Have the tools to turn off utilities
Gas – adjustable wrench
Water – slotted tool fitting over the raised bar before the meter
Put one on the Featured Items page and in the episode notes
Turn them off if you evacuate
Stay Informed
Weather Updates: Monitor the National Hurricane Center and local news.
Emergency Alerts: Sign up for local emergency notifications and alerts.
Insurance and Documentation
Review Insurance Policies: Ensure you have adequate coverage for wind, rain, and flood damage.
Document Valuables: Take pictures or video of your property and belongings for insurance purposes.
Prepare Your Vehicle For Hurricane Evacuation
Fuel Up: Keep your car’s gas tank full.
Emergency Supplies: Keep an emergency kit in your car including water, food, blankets, and a first aid kit.
After the Hurricane
Stay Safe: Avoid flooded areas, downed power lines, and damaged buildings.
Inspect Your Home: Check for structural damage, water leaks, and gas leaks.
Communicate: Let family and friends know you’re safe.
Call or text family
Facebook check in for everyone else
Additional Tips
Stay Calm and Follow Instructions: Listen to local officials and follow their instructions.
Plan for Extended Power Outages: Have a generator if possible and know how to use it safely.
Pet Plan: Ensure pets are included in your emergency plan with necessary supplies and arrangements for their safety.
Additional Info:
The main difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane is the intensity of the storm, which is primarily measured by the maximum sustained wind speeds. Here are the detailed distinctions:
Tropical Storm
• Wind Speeds: Tropical storms have maximum sustained winds ranging from 39 to 73 miles per hour (63 to 118 kilometers per hour).
• Formation: Like hurricanes, tropical storms form over warm ocean waters and develop from tropical depressions.
• Characteristics: They bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and can cause flooding and damage, but are generally less intense than hurricanes.
• Naming: Once a tropical depression reaches tropical storm status (winds of 39 mph or higher), it is given a name.
Hurricane
• Wind Speeds: Hurricanes have maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) or higher.
• Categories: Hurricanes are further classified into categories based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which ranges from Category 1 (least severe) to Category 5 (most severe):
o Category 1: 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
o Category 2: 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
o Category 3: 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h)
o Category 4: 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h)
o Category 5: 157 mph or higher (252 km/h or higher)
• Formation: Hurricanes form from tropical storms when they intensify over warm ocean waters.
• Characteristics: Hurricanes bring extremely strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and can cause severe flooding and extensive damage. The strongest hurricanes can lead to catastrophic impacts on communities.
Summary
• Wind Speed: The primary difference is the wind speed, with tropical storms having winds of 39-73 mph and hurricanes having winds of 74 mph or higher.
• Impact Severity: Hurricanes are more severe in terms of potential damage and impact due to their higher wind speeds and associated storm surge and rainfall.
• Classification: Hurricanes are categorized into five levels based on their wind speeds, indicating their potential for destruction.
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