by Ray Fauteux

Created on: July 08, 2008

I learned the hard way why they say that wind is not the main danger when it comes to hurricanes. I was in Cuba when hurricane Michelle devastated and was in complete awe when I witnessed first hand the power and might of Mother Nature.

I was at a resort hotel on the ground floor and had a front row seat out of my patio windows as we were confined to our rooms. I soon understood why it's not so much the wind that is dangerous, but rather the missiles that it creates when it is at it's peak of power. I saw pieces of palm trees, lawn chairs, and a different parts of buildings go flying past my window. I'm sure there were many coconuts in the mix as well. Just one of those could easily cause severe damage or death to anyone in it's path.

All I could really do was sit on my bed in the middle of the room. It was the only dry spot as water was gushing in under the patio doors as the torrential rainfall driven by hurricane force winds shot into my room. It turns out they leave that gap under the patio doors on purpose because if it was air tight it would just blow the doors right into the room.

The safest place for me to have been would most likely have been a basement far away from those glass doors, but in my small one room(plus a bathroom)accommodation I had no such luxury. I really had no desire to lay in the bathtub all night.

Unlike a tornado, there will be several days warning before a hurricane hits. Find out through official sources how strong the hurricane is expected to by. There are several categories and the severity of the impending hurricane will help you decide whether to leave or board your home up and weather the storm.

Be sure to board up all windows if you do not have shutters. Broken glass can be devastating in a hurricane and can do severe damage to people and property.

Stock up on food and water long before the hurricane hits. It might also be a good idea to get yourself a generator. If you wait until after the hurricane to purchase these items, expect to be facing long line-ups or disappointment.

You can expect all the power to be out, so be sure to have a battery operated radio. It will most likely be your only link to information for several days.

As I experienced with Hurricane Michelle, there was no electricity or running water for days. That meant no toilets to flush, no T.V., no radio, no lights, and no shower just to mention a few of the inconveniences you can expect.

Also have a completely stocked first aid kit on hand. Access to a hospital might me next to impossible for some time.

If you are in a trailer park and a hurricane is looming, just get out as soon as you can and find a shelter. A hurricane will tear a trailer apart and jagged metal will become a lethal weapon.

If you are in a car just as a hurricane is about to hit, you will fare much better if you leave the car and find yourself some sort of shelter. A ditch might be your only option if there are no buildings around. Finding refuge under an over pass can be deadly as the winds could very well bring tons of metal and concrete down on you.

Be especially aware once the worst of the hurricane appears to have passed. There will most likely be downed power lines and gas leaks everywhere, as well as broken glass and sheets of razor sharp metal.

By taking the necessary precautions as soon as you become aware of a pending hurricane you have much better chance of remaining safe until the danger passes.

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