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History teaches us that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerabilities and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.
Our goal is to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take action. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water.
There are a number of hazards commonly associated with hurricanes:
This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards. Look carefully at the safety actions associated with each type of hurricane hazard and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly. Remember this is only a guide. The first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.
You should be able to answer the following questions before a hurricane threatens:
Hurricanes are powerful storms that form at sea and consist of strong wind and rain. Because modern technology allows us to track a hurricane's progress, communities in the hurricane path will usually be warned of the storm's strength. Evacuating the area may be necessary because of the strength and anticipated course of a particular storm. By taking some basic precautions, you will be prepared and able to help prevent many injuries, as well as the possibility of some diseases.
Before the hurricane, learn about the emergency procedures established by your community, and prepare a personal family action plan. Keep emergency supplies on hand such as extra food, water, and battery-operated radios and flashlights. If authorities issue an evacuation order, follow the route they suggest.
If you are unable to evacuate before the hurricane hits, stay inside. Do not be fooled by the eye of the hurricane and its temporary period of peaceful weather conditions. The length of time within the eye varies from several minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the size and travel speed of the storm. The larger and more intense the hurricane, the larger the eye will be. The slower the storm is moving, the longer it will take for conditions to deteriorate.
Stay away from windows and glass doors as hurricanes have enough strength to send debris through them. Continue to listen to your radio or television for hurricane updates and emergency information. As long as your internet connection is accessible, the EOC Website and the National Hurricane Center Website are also excellent sources of information during the storm. The EOC Information line (653-HELP) will also be updated as the storm progresses.
After the storm has passed, listen for public announcements regarding the safety of your neighborhood and return only when the area is considered safe. Avoid downed power lines and report any problems with your utilities to the appropriate companies. Be aware of possible structural, electrical, or gas-leak hazards.
If drinking water has been contaminated, treat the water before use. Discard any food that has come into contact with contaminated water. If you have any doubt about the safety of any food it is better to throw it out.
The weeks after a hurricane will be physically and emotionally draining. To help manage stress, take frequent breaks during the cleanup, and get as much rest as possible. While some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, hyperactivity, mild depression, or lethargy are normal, extreme or prolonged symptoms should be evaluated by a mental health professional.
In addition to the information provided, local and state health departments or emergency management agencies may issue health advisories particular to your location. Updated information will always be available on the EOC Website and the EOC information line (653-HELP).