What can you do to prepare your home for a hurricane? Hurricane force winds, storm surge, tornadoes, flying debris, and floods are devastating to conventional wood framed houses and other single story structures. Saving your home from destruction may be next to impossible, but saving the lives of your family members and preparing for the worst is not.
Hurricanes such as Katrina, Andrew, and Camille are well known for the financial losses and property damage they left in their wake. Hurricane Katrina, perhaps the most powerful storm ever, delivered winds over 140 mph and a storm surge 25 feet high, engulfing homes up to 25 miles from the coast. It left us with at least $75 billion in losses and at least 1,600 dead in its wake.
During Hurricane Katrina, many people that were trapped in their homes by the floodwaters were able to survive by breaking through their roofs. The addition of an escape hatch built into the roof may have saved many more lives. However, not many homes have ever been constructed in flood hazard areas with escape hatches. In terms of saving lives, this one feature could have been an important feature not only for the survivors, but also for the search and rescue teams. Unfortunately, this would only prove true if the home and the roof itself survives the force of the hurricane's winds.
What is more important in preparing your home for a hurricane are the plans you make in advance. Here's a short list of things to pay attention to when you are about meet a hurricane up close and personal.
First, you should have the proper insurance coverage, including flood insurance. Check your policies coverage with your insurance company and purchase flood insurance if your home is at risk of flooding.
Second, make sure that all your valuables and important records are secure.
Third, have money on hand. Set aside a reasonable amount; say $100 minimum for personal items that you will to cover your families needs at least 5 days away form home.
Fourth, prepare a Family Emergency Evacuation Plan. It should contain information about your home, where your important papers are located, your chosen emergency destination and gathering point is, important contacts (names, agencies, telephone number, e-mail addresses, etc.), photographs and videos of your property, inside and out, a pre-paid cell phone with back up batteries and a charger, family medical information about medical necessities, prescriptions, doctors, and allergies. Finally, a well-equipped first aid kit, with additional flashlight, batteries and a portable radio should accompany you at all times.
Everyone should heed one final and important step. That is to identify and secure any hazardous materials you have stored in your basement, garage, barn or whatever. This includes oil and gasoline, paint, thinners, and chemicals of all kinds, such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. These items are dangerous pollutants in floodwaters and will have a devastating effect upon the environment for years after the storms have faded into memory.
It has been stated that effective planning begins with a realistic assessment of needs. These are but a few things you can do to protect your home from a huriccane's fury. However, you can, and should, plan to protect your family, your future, and the environment when hurricanes come calling this hurricane season.