Joshua Wilks
Published August 23 2004
Although hurricanes are among the most destructive and deadly of all natural disasters, they always provide the most amount of warning before striking. As the storm swirls and residents crowd to the grocery stores, you can be prepared in advanced.
The following information, collected from the American Red Cross disaster preparedness Web site, explains what you should know in case of a hurricane.
The first step to being prepared is knowing the difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch. A hurricane watch involves hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch, usually within 36 hours. A hurricane warning involves hurricane conditions that are expected in the specified area of the warning, usually within 24 hours.
When a Hurricane Watch is issued, prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
Also, cover all windows of your home. It is not recommended to tape windows; it does not prevent the windows from breaking
Be sure fill your car’s gas tank, and stock up on canned food, first aid supplies, drinking water, batteries and medications.
When a Hurricane Warning is issued, listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so. If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows.
Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worst part of the storm will happen once the eye passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings, and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second winds.
If you lose electricity, use flashlights in the dark. Do not use candles.
Always be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over. Remain indoors, in the center of your home.