Hurricane Survival: Be Prepared with an Emergency Preparedness Plan

Having an Emergency preparedness plan can mean the difference between survival and death, starvation, serious injury or being stranded during a hurricane. Living in a hurricane zone makes you quite aware of the problems that can arise during the season. A hurricane can develop at any time in the Caribbean. It pays to be prepared beforehand in order not to be left wondering 'why me?' or 'what happened?'.

What is a Hurricane?

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a low pressure system known as a tropical cyclone which usually develops in the tropics. Most popular areas for these systems are the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

There are three types of cyclones or low pressure systems:-

• Tropical Depression – Sustained winds of 38 mph or less accompanied by clouds and thunderstorms.

• Tropical Storm – Sustained winds of 30 -73 mph accompanied heavy thunderstorms.

• Hurricane – Sustained winds of 74 mph and higher accompanied by very intense thunderstorms.

According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale, there are five categories of hurricane with one being the weakest and five being the most dangerous. In any hurricane it pays to careful as hurricanes cause a lot of damage and loss of life. The greater the wind speed is the less the rainfall and the lower wind speeds will give you more rain. So a category one hurricane might not be dangerously windy but flooding may occur.

You should be wary of water damage and being carried away by current in the water. Usually categories one through three may see a significant amount of rainfall that will cause rivers to overflow their banks, roadways to be impassible, high rise in the tide and surf.

It is recommended that during any hurricane, you and your family should stay indoors (if you think your home is secure) or seek shelter at a designated hurricane shelter. A hurricane shelter is usually certified by your local Agency for Emergency Preparedness.

Living in the tropics mean that a hurricane can develop almost anytime, especially in the summer and beginning of fall when the atmospheric pressure is most warm. Here are some things to do to help ease the tension, worries and pressure that happens during a hurricane.

Whether you live alone or with family members you need to prepare.

1. Check with your local disaster preparedness organization to know the designated shelters in your area.
2. Know exactly when the hurricane season starts and when it will end
3. Make sure your house has some sort of security in case you cannot make to the shelter. This includes securing the roof by placing sand bags on them to keep the zincs down, using cellophane tape on glass windows to prevent shattering or using ply wood to bar glass windows and doors
4. Have clean treated water in storage.
5. Put together an emergency kit (see below for details)
6. Have a checklist of all the things you do not want to forget during a hurricane. Put this list on the fridge or someplace that you are likely to see it easily.

Your emegency kit should be prepared before a hurricane strikes. It is better to prepare at the beginning or before the hurricane season to prevent panic. Your kit should be carefully thought out while considering all the persons in the household. Make a list of the items you will need in case you need to go shopping. Here is a list to help you along the way.

1. A first aid kit. This should include an antiseptic (Hydrogen peroxide is very good and easy to get), over the counter antibiotic ointment, alcohol, bandages and gauze pads, band aids for small cut and bruises, tweezers (to help get out splinters or debris from wounds if necessary), 2 splints (to help set small broken limbs like fingers, toes and wrists, any lager damage need larger splints or a doctor), instant ice rub or pack (instant ice pack is the one that has a bubble in the gel that you break when about to use, it has the same effect and feel like a regular pack and is perfect for when there is no electricity). Pain and fever reducer should also be included in the first aid kit
2. A flash light and batteries
3. Radio and batteries
4. A fully charged cell phone for emergencies along with an extra battery if possible
5. Any medication being taken for any illness or condition you or your family members may have. Have an extra prescription filled for the kit. Many Doctors will be willing to give you the prescription.
6. Your important documents like insurance, land title, bank account information, passport and birth certificates, stocks or bonds
7. Emergency cash. This is important as many business may not be able to accept credit or debit cards during a hurricane because or non-electricity or the system being down. It is wise to have cash on hand in case you need it.
8. Non-perishable food items. These should include canned items with an expiry date of no less than six months, preferably one year. Crackers are a better option than bread as they last longer.
9. Some people may want to have candles and matches around
10. A lantern is wise along with some kerosene oil.

The first rule is never to panic.

• Have your radio on at at times if possible to be able to hear the latest alerts
• Make sure your emergency supplies a ready
• Your documents should be in a safe place, preferably in a bank vault
• If you run out of water and have to have tap water make sure you treat it with bleach - to the right are the instruction for treating water with household bleach.
• When a hurricane is looming, make sure your windows and doors are barred from heavy winds
• Have a tarpaulin at hand in case of leaks
• Secure your animals just as you would yourself, make sure their stall, kennels and coups have enough food and water. Also bar their doors and windows. If their roofs are zinc, also place sand bags on top to keep them from being taken by the heavy winds. If possible you can keep your dogs and cats with you wherever you go, if the shelter will allow it, or in the house with you.
• Remove satellite dishes, antennas and poles before the storm hits.
• Do not drive during a hurricane, get to the shelter before the storm. If you are at home when it hits, secure yourself inside or use the cell phone I mentioned to call for help!
• Do not attempt to go outside during the hurricane as this is dangerous.