Emergency Supplies: Hurricane Preparedness
As the frequency of hurricanes continues, the importance of hurricane preparedness is becoming more evident. Damages and injuries continue to mount each year. Some states practice mandatory evacuations while others do not. When the evacuations are not mandatory, some people choose to remain in their homes and ride out the storms. This decision can be very tragic or deadly.
A lack of hurricane preparedness can result in death or very serious injuries. Hurricanes can pack winds of 111 miles per hour or more. The eye of the storm may be 20 or 30 miles wide. The entire storm may have a diameter of 400 miles or more. Preparing for the winds and storm surge can boost hurricane safety.
An important part of hurricane preparedness is to stay aware of the warnings and watches that are provided. A watch is issued if a hurricane may approach an area during a 24 to 36 hour time period. If the storm is expected in 24 hours or less, a warning will be issued.
Hurricane Preparedness Tips
Communities that are at risk can reduce the potential for property damage and personal injuries by planning for hurricanes. People can prepare hurricane survival kits that will help them to get through the storm and the aftermath. They can purchase supplies that will help them to protect their homes from flood waters. They can also increase their awareness of evacuation routes, nearby shelters, and what conditions make evacuation necessary in their areas. Each family in the community can establish their personal evacuation plan so that family members do not panic when a storm is approaching.