As you probably know, many of the fatalities that are associated with hurricanes have to do with the drowning deaths of those who are caught up in the storm surge or its aftermath. Yet did you know about the freaky power of hurricane winds? These high winds may reach up to 160 miles per hour in the extreme, and their ability to do damage to people, livestock, and property is legendary. Buildings and mobile homes are destroyed, roof are ripped off houses and sent flying through the air.  Sticks, fence pickets, and pieces of plywood are turned into deadly missiles that fly through the air at such high speeds that they are sometimes driven through a tree!  Many photos attest to the awesome power of these high winds.

In addition to the foregoing, the winds will uproot trees that will in turn also cause great damage to above-ground power lines and other utility lines located on poles.  Windows are blown in, and even cars are picked up and moved around.  Obviously, this is a highly dangerous time for people, and here are some tips on how to take cover from these winds.

Be aware of the anticipated time a hurricane is supposed to make contact with land.  Be prepared to evacuate.

If you live in a mobile home or manufactured home, leave well ahead of the storm. Sadly, these buildings are not built in such a fashion as to provide any shelter from a hurricane, and are usually the first to fall victims to the winds. In addition to the foregoing, if you live in a high rise, you will also want to evacuate your home in favor of a shelter or other sound structure a little closer to the ground.

If you do live in a home that has reasonable odds of withstanding the winds, be sure to put plywood panels or shutters in front of your windows. This will not only protect your windows, but will also help you not to have small chards of glass all over your carpet when you return to your home.

Add to the safety of others by bringing inside your home anything and everything that might be picked up by the winds and turned into a missile.  This could include your lawn furniture, the barbecue, your child’s bicycle, and also the ornamental bird feeders or lawn signs you may have.

If you live in a home that is considered safe to remain in, designate one room to be your safe room. It should have no windows or doors that lead to the outside, simply for the fact that they add vulnerability to your room. If you do not have such a room, a closet will do fine in a pinch.

Get ready to turn off the gas, water, and electricity to your home as soon as you receive notification to do so.

Have your survival kit packed and put it into your safe room.  When it is time to go into your safe room, be sure to close the door securely behind you and turn on your battery-powered radio.  Remain in the room no matter what you hear outside, and stay there until you are told it is safe to come back outside.

Of course, there are also initial precautions you can take well ahead of hurricane season to ensure that you and your home will have the greatest odds of survival.  For example, you can cut down dead trees or branches on the trees surrounding your property well in advance of the formation of any storms to ensure that your trees will be healthier and hopefully able to withstand the winds.

 

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