16 of 27

Write now Article Tools

I have first-hand experience of two destructive hurricanes in very different parts of the world: Hurricane Isabel in Virginia Beach in 2003, and Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) in the Philippines in 2007. Despite the vast differences between the two countries I've lived in and how they respond to disasters, there were many similarities in the problems faced by me and my family, and in the ways we prepared for and recovered from the storms.

The first decision that has to be made, and should be made as well in advance of the storm as possible, is whether you can stay in your home or should leave. Pay attention to the news and weather reports; if possible, try to get your information from the Weather Channel or the National Weather Service rather than the news networks who tend to make things more dramatic than they need to be. If evacuations in your area have been recommended or ordered, take that seriously; not only might you be putting yourself and your family in grave danger, rescuing you from the danger you were too stubborn to avoid might take emergency personnel away from another area where they're needed and put them in harm's way as well. Even if an evacuation hasn't been ordered, consider leaving anyway.

If you're going to stay and ride it out, there are a number of preparations you need to make, not only for the onslaught of the storm itself, but for the aftermath, which is actually worse. Pick up everything around the outside of your house that is not firmly attached to the Earth in some way and move it indoors. If you have a television antenna or a satellite dish, dismount it (call a serviceman if you need to) and move that indoors, too. Cover your windows; plywood is best, but heavy tarps or even old blankets are better than nothing. This is not only to protect the windows from breaking, but also helps stop rainwater from getting in - no window is weatherproof, no matter what the manufacturer claims, when a hundred mile an hour wind is driving torrential rain straight into it. If you do not have plywood to cover the windows and use something lighter instead, reinforce the glass by putting strips of tape across it. This will not keep it from breaking, but if it does break, the tape will at least prevent shards of glass from flying around inside your house. Inside, move your furniture and other items away from windows and doors, and get a couple buckets and some old rags ready, to deal with any stray water that gets in.

There

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Preparing for a hurricane?
We want to hear your view. Write now!